The Xi'an City Wall · Forest of Stone Steles Museum Cultural Scenic Area is located in the city center of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, and is a National 5A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area consists of the well-preserved Ming Dynasty city wall and China's largest collection of stone tablet art at the Forest of Stone Steles Museum, offering a unique cultural experience of "viewing history from the wall and appreciating steles in the city." The Xi'an City Wall is the largest and most complete ancient city wall existing in China, with a circumference of 13.74 kilometers, height of 12 meters, top width of 12-14 meters, base width of 15-18 meters, and 18 city gates. The Forest of Stone Steles Museum covers an area of 31,900 square meters and houses over 4,000 stone tablets. These two major attractions jointly showcase the historical and cultural heritage of Xi'an as the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties.
History and Culture
The Xi'an City Wall was first built in the third year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1370 AD) as an expansion of the Tang Dynasty imperial city, taking eight years to complete with over 650 years of history. The wall was constructed with rammed earth and faced with blue bricks, forming a comprehensive defense system that represents the pinnacle of ancient Chinese urban construction and military defense.
The Forest of Stone Steles Museum was established in the second year of the Yuanyou reign of the Northern Song Dynasty (1087 AD), originally to preserve the "Kaicheng Stone Classics" of the Tang Dynasty. Through continuous expansion during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, it now contains 7 stele rooms, 8 stele corridors, and 8 stele pavilions, housing over 4,000 stone tablets and epitaphs from the Han Dynasty to modern times. Known as the "Oriental Stone Library," it includes national treasures such as the "Filial Piety Classic on Stone Tablets" and the "Nestorian Stele."
Main Attractions
Yongning Gate (South Gate)
The main southern gate of Xi'an City Wall, originally built during the Sui Dynasty and reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty, is the best-preserved among the four main gates. It consists of three layers of towers - the sluice gate tower, the arrow tower, and the main gate tower - with remains of a drawbridge outside the gate. Daily reenactments of ancient gate-opening ceremonies are held here, along with the "Dreaming of Chang'an" nighttime performance.
Changle Gate (East Gate)
The eastern gate of the Ming Dynasty city wall, with its current gate tower rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. The inscription "Changle Gate" above the gate is original from the Ming Dynasty, and the gate passage preserves tracks from the ancient defense mechanism called "Qianjin Zha" (heavy gate). The gate tower offers panoramic views of Xi'an Railway Station.
Anding Gate (West Gate)
The western gate of the Ming Dynasty city wall, with its barbican well-preserved. The inner side of the wall reveals remains of the Tang Dynasty imperial city wall. The West Gate area features a city wall heritage exhibition displaying construction techniques through archaeological cross-sections.
Anyuan Gate (North Gate)
The northern gate of the Ming Dynasty city wall, renovated during the Qing Dynasty. The gate tower houses a historical exhibition of the city wall, showcasing construction techniques and military functions through models and artifacts. The North Gate arrow tower is one of the best spots for photographing the entire city wall.
First Exhibition Hall of Forest of Steles
Displays 114 stone tablets of the "Kaicheng Stone Classics," carved in the second year of the Kaicheng era (837 AD) of Emperor Wenzong of Tang, containing 12 Confucian classics including the "Book of Changes" and "Book of Documents," totaling 650,000 characters - the most complete official stone classics existing in China.
Second Exhibition Hall of Forest of Steles
Focuses on famous Tang Dynasty calligraphy steles, including Ouyang Xun's "Stele of Huangfu Dan," Yan Zhenqing's "Duobao Pagoda Stele," and Liu Gongquan's "Mysterious Tower Stele," considered textbooks of Chinese calligraphy art.
Nestorian Stele
Carved in the second year of the Jianzhong era (781 AD) of Tang Dynasty, documenting in Chinese and Syriac the history of Nestorian Christianity's spread in Tang China, recognized as one of the world's four great steles.
Cuisine
Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup
A traditional Xi'an delicacy made with high-quality lamb and specially prepared bread crumbs, simmered in bone broth. Near the South Gate, century-old establishments like Lao Sun's and Tong Sheng Xiang offer this dish at about 40-60 RMB per person.
Gourd Chicken
A classic Shaanxi dish named for its gourd-like shape. Made with yellow-feathered chicken through boiling, steaming, and frying processes, resulting in crispy skin and tender meat. The most authentic version is served at Xi'an Restaurant near the Forest of Steles Museum, about 98 RMB per chicken.
Chinese Hamburger (Roujiamo)
A Shaanxi specialty fast food consisting of pork stuffed in baked bread. Qin Yu Roujiamo outside the West Gate is a popular local spot, with regular versions at 8 RMB and premium at 12 RMB each.
Nearby Food Recommendations
The area also features Jia's Steamed Soup Dumplings (near South Gate), Chunfasheng Hulutou Bread Soup (Beilin District), and Defachang Dumpling Banquet (near Bell Tower), with average costs ranging 30-80 RMB per person.
Ticket Information
Xi'an City Wall ticket: 54 RMB/person; Forest of Stone Steles Museum ticket: 65 RMB/person. Combined ticket: 100 RMB/person (including both sites). Full-time students receive 50% discount with valid ID, while seniors over 65, children under 1.2m, and active military personnel enjoy free admission with valid documents. Audio guides are available for rent at 30 RMB/device.
Opening Hours
Xi'an City Wall: Peak season (March 1-November 30) 8:00-22:00; Off-season (December 1-February 28/29) 8:00-20:00. Forest of Stone Steles Museum: Peak season 8:00-18:30 (last ticket at 17:45); Off-season 8:00-18:00 (last ticket at 17:15). Holiday hours may vary - check official website before visiting.
Suggested Itinerary
Recommended schedule: Visit the Forest of Stone Steles Museum in the morning (2-3 hours), then ascend the wall at Wenchang Gate and walk south to Yongning Gate (about 1.5km), overlooking Shuyuanmen Cultural Street and Xiangzi Temple Street along the way. Explore other wall sections in the afternoon by bicycle (single 45 RMB/3 hours, tandem 90 RMB/3 hours) or electric cart (80 RMB for full circuit). Watch the "Dreaming of Chang'an" show at Yongning Gate in the evening (showtimes vary by season, tickets 280-880 RMB).
Transportation
- Metro: Take Line 2 to Yongningmen Station (Exit A1/D1) for South Gate; Line 6 to Guangjijie Station (Exit D) for West Gate
- Bus: South Gate Station (Routes 12, 26, 36 etc.); Forest of Steles Museum Station (Routes 14, 23, 40 etc.)
- Driving: Multiple parking lots nearby - South Gate Underground Parking (8 RMB/hour), Forest of Steles Museum Parking (6 RMB/hour)
Must-See Attractions
- Yongning Gate Tower: Experience complete Ming Dynasty gate defense system and watch ancient gate-opening ceremony
- Wall Battlements: Observe protruding defensive structures demonstrating ancient city defense strategies
- "Kaicheng Stone Classics": China's most complete Tang Dynasty official stone classics, Confucian cultural treasure
- Tang Dynasty Calligraphy Steles: Original works by masters like Ouyang Xun, Yan Zhenqing, and Liu Gongquan
- Nestorian Stele: World-class artifact witnessing ancient cultural exchanges between China and the West
Travel Tips
- Best visiting seasons are spring and autumn (April-May, September-October), avoiding summer heat and winter haze
- Wear comfortable walking shoes on the wall as some bricks can be slippery
- At Forest of Steles, rent audio guide or book tour guide (100 RMB for Chinese guide)
- For wall cycling, choose morning or late afternoon to avoid midday sun
- Photographers should visit at dawn or dusk for best lighting on ancient cityscapes
Important Notes
- No smoking or littering on the wall - fines range 50-200 RMB
- Flash photography prohibited in Forest of Steles Museum; some tablets may not be touched
- Wall cyclists must be at least 12 years old; ride on right side and yield to pedestrians
- Many protected cultural relics onsite - no carving or graffiti on structures
- Some wall sections may close during rain/snow - check notices