City Walls of Xian(834 views)

Release date:2009-08-24 15:46:02

Xi'an is one of China's most intriguing cities, for its heady mix of history, culture and modernity. The most imposing sight in Xi'an is undoubtedly the well preserved city walls. They only encompass a relatively small area of 12km, but effectively delineate the beating heart of the city. So many cities today are carbon copies of the other - all with the same high rise offices and fast food chains - but not so Xi'an (although it does have both, it possesses other qualities in abundance), and the one factor that stands Xi'an apart most prominetly are its historic city walls. The walls themselves are not just featureless stone – they are themselves an archetype of Chinese architecutal style.

The walls are well worth a visit - not least for the views that reward you from the top. You can look inward, toward the Drum Tower and the shopping districts, or out, at the outskirts of the city and the historic pagodas. The wall connects the defensive towers above the gates into and out of the city, and they can be traversed along the top (in fact, slopes designed for horses lead up to the walls, so you could ride up on a warhorse!). Nowadays, fortunately, all the riding is done on bikes - and these bike rides are what really make a trip to the city walls something to remember. If you are travelling alone, rent a bike and speed along the parapets, which can be devoid of tourists in low season, or very very busy in high season. Different vistas are offered from all four sides, and there are often displays and and dioramas, as well as other things to see, set up along the paths themselves.

If you are travelling with a partner or friend, rent a tandem bicycle and annoy your companion by refusing to pedal - or pedalling too fast! Even in peak tourist season, if you cycle around to the less bustling areas of the wall, some peace and relaxation can be found. One thing's for sure, a bike ride around Xi'an's city walls is a unique and captivating experience, and a chance to really interact with the city's history.

Xi'an is a place so infused with tradition that it's impossible to separate the modern city from its past - the ever-present walls are a reminder of the capital's glorious history and should definitely be experienced by any traveller.

back