The Xi'an City Wall is the most complete surviving city wall in China, forming an unbroken 13.7 km rectangle around the old city center, and riding its full circuit by bike is one of the most popular ways to see it. Rental stations operate at each of the four main gates — South (Yongningmen), North (Anyuanmen), East (Changlemen), and West (Anmen) — with the South Gate station being the busiest and best-signposted for first-time visitors. A standard single bike rents for ¥45 and a tandem for ¥90, both covering 100 minutes, which is enough time for most riders to complete the loop at an easy pace with a few photo stops; going slower or wanting to linger requires paying an hourly overage fee, so budgeting time in advance helps. A ¥200 deposit is collected and refunded when the bike is returned, and staff typically ask for a passport or ID as part of the rental paperwork. The wall surface is wide, flat brick, closed to motor traffic, with watchtowers, ramps, and gate towers marking the route and offering views down into both the old city and the modern ring road beyond the moat. Rental stations close earlier in winter (around 8pm from November through March) than in summer (10pm), so an evening ride should be timed around the shorter winter hours.
| Price | ¥45 single bike / ¥90 tandem bike for 100 minutes (~$6.33/$12.66); ¥200 refundable deposit (~$28.13) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5–2.5 hours to ride the full loop at a relaxed pace |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | March–May, September–November |
| Address | South Gate (Yongningmen) bike rental station, Xi'an City Wall, Beilin District, Xi'an 710001 |
Activity facts
- Where
- Xi'an City Wall, Beilin District, Xi'an
Equipment
- Bike provided (single or tandem)
- Bring a photo ID for the rental deposit paperwork
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Location
South Gate (Yongningmen) bike rental station, Xi'an City Wall, Beilin District, Xi'an 710001
34.2534, 108.9423 View on map
Highlights
- 13.7 km uninterrupted loop atop China's most complete surviving city wall
- Rental stations at all four main gates, with South Gate the busiest and most central
- Flat, wide brick surface closed to motor traffic
- Watchtowers and gate towers along the route with views over the old city and moat
Tips for visiting
- Start at South Gate (Yongningmen) for the easiest access from the Bell Tower area
- Bring a passport or photo ID, which staff typically request for the rental deposit
- Pace the ride to finish within the 100-minute rental window to avoid overage charges
- Check seasonal closing times before an evening ride, since gates close earlier from November to March
- Tandem bikes are a fun option for couples but slower to maneuver around pedestrians near the gate towers
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to cycle the whole wall?
Most riders complete the 13.7 km loop in 1.5 to 2.5 hours at a relaxed pace with photo stops, comfortably within the standard 100-minute rental window if kept moving.
Where can I rent a bike?
Rental stations operate at each of the four main gates — South, North, East, and West — with South Gate (Yongningmen) the most commonly used by visitors.
Is a deposit required?
Yes, a ¥200 refundable deposit is collected at rental and returned when the bike comes back; staff usually ask to see a photo ID.