Xian Trip 2016 - Day 4 - Xian City Wall (South Gate) Yongning Part 1

Day 4, we visited the Xian City Wall, love the visit so much, really like travelled back to the past. Great view from the top of the fort and the walls seems to have many ancient stories to share with visitors.

When Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), captured Huizhou, a hermit named Zhu Sheng admonished him that he should 'built high walls, store abundant food supplies and take time to be an Emperor,' so that he could fortify the city and unify the other states. After the establishment of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang followed his advice and began to enlarge the wall built initially during the old Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), creating the modern Xian City Wall. It's the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Read more from travelchinaguide.

The south gate, Yongning, is the most beautifully decorated one. It is very near to the Bell Tower, center of the city.We took the subway from bell tower and alight at Yongningmen station and Exit D.

The draw bridge of the fort is real attraction.

It's really impossible to walk round the walls as they enclosed the whole Xian city. One way was to cycle (very tiring) or take the electric car.

Both need to pay for a fee to use them. See source for the fees and terms and conditions.

Tcket price is CNY54 and only for one time entrance, if you walked out of the city wall, you need to buy another ticket to enter again.