Xian Ancient Wall

Xian was originally a walled city, and even today the wall is considered a landmark dividing the city into the inner part and the outer part.

When Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of Ming dynasty (1368 AD –1644 AD ), captured a city, one minister adviced him that he should built high walls, store abundant food supplies and take time to be an Emperor. Then 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 AD –907 AD ), 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.

The city wall in Xi'an stands 12 meters high. It is 12-14 meters thick at the top of the wall, 15-18 meters thick at bottom and 13.7 kilometers in length. There is a rampart every 120 meters. The ramparts are towers that extend out from the main wall, the top of the rampart being at the same level with the top of the wall.  The distance between two ramparts is just within the range of arrow shot from either side. This allowed soldiers to protect the entire wall without exposing themselves to the enemy. The gates of the city wall were the only way to go into and out of town. Therefore, these gates were important and strategic points, that wall is the feudal rulers and architect’s masterpiece with their knowledge.