Xian City Wall Xian
China - Xian - Beijing - Guangzhou - Chengdu - Dalian - Shenzhen - Shanghai - Hangzhou
Capital city of the Shaanxi Province in China, Xian offers an array of tourist spots. The Xi'an City Wall, Xian is one of the famous and eminent tourist sites in Xian.
On being cautioned by a hermit named Zhu Sheng, Zhu Yuanzhang completed the Xi'an Wall in order to make the city safe and secure. It is the most marvelous city wall in China and one of the largest ancient defensive systems in the world.
The Xi'an City Wall, Xian rises to a height of about 12 meters, a width of about 12 to 14 meters at the top, and 15 to 18 meters at the bottom. It is surrounded by a moat. The ramparts are made at a distance of about 120 meters between each rampart. The sentinel buildings housed within the ramparts are designed in such a manner so as the army men can safeguard the wall without appearing in front of the opponents. Within the fort, low walls were constructed for the soldiers to avoid any fall.
The gates were intricately designed. The well-planned gates are strongly built in order to avoid any kid of unnecessary intrusion. The Xi'an City Wall features four gates – Anyuan, meaning forever harmony, in the north; Changle meaning eternal happiness, in the east; Yongning meaning everlasting peace, in the south; and, Anding, meaning harmony and peace, in the west. Being the most richly decorated gate, Yongning in the south witnesses major welcoming occasions as are arranged by the Provincial Government.
Every city gate of the Xi'an City Wall, Xian comprises of three gate towers – Zhalou, Jianlou and Zhenglou. Zhalou helped in raising and lowering the hanging bridge; Jianlou served as a defensive outpost; and, Zhenglou suffices as the main entryway to the city. The area between the Jianlou and the Zhenglou towers was known as “Wong Cheng”. It was here where the soldiers were posted.
Originally, the Xi'an City Wall, was constructed with layers of dirt and the base layer was also made of lime and sticky rice. Till date, restoration of the City Wall has been done thrice. First, the components with which it built were replaced with bricks; the second time, the gate towers were made; and for the third and final time, the entire City Wall was refurbished by the Shaanxi Provincial Government. At present, you will get to view a pleasant circular park along with green plants and fresh colorful flowers adorning the wall. This has enhanced the grace and charm of the Xi'an City Wall .
