Anding Gate

📸 Must-Capture Spots 1️⃣ Southeast City Wall: Arrive 1 hour before sunset! The S-curve hides ancient wisdom of "round heaven and square earth" 2️⃣ Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Navigate to "Tathagata Buddha" statue for Buddha's-hand-cradling-pagoda shot, use 2x zoom for spatial compression 3️⃣ Yongning Gate Axis: Frame Bell Tower + City Wall + TV Tower with telephoto, capture light trails with slow shutter 4️⃣ Guangren Temple Red Wall: Shoot golden roofs with side light at 3pm, use prayer wheels as foreground for Tibetan-style frames 5️⃣ Anding Gate Sunrise: Arrive by 6:20 for gilded gate shots, enhance with local breakfast stall ambiance 🌸 Spring Hidden Gems ▪️ Zhiyuan Hotel: Late March rooftop cherry blossom "waterfall", drone shots with Hanfu for Tang Dynasty vibes ▪️ TV Tower Cherry Plums: Navigate to "Changfengyuan Community" for pink blooms against cyberpunk skyline ▪️ Small Wild Goose Pagoda Dawn: Arrive before 8am! Cherry grove + ancient pagoda combo, use portrait mode to blur crowds 🌙 Night Photography Tips 📍 Bell Tower Blue Hour: Rush to 5F of Kaiyuan Mall 15min after sunset for surreal ancient-modern color clash 📍 Xuanzang Pagoda Angle: Step back to Xuanzang Memorial at South Square, 200mm to frame pagoda shadows 📍 Starbucks "Xi'an Wall": Avoid weekends, capture "Chang'an" characters at stair corners for moody shots ⚠️ Hard-Won Advice ✔️ Bike along "Yongning Gate-Hanguang Gate" wall section to avoid tour groups ✔️ Guangren Temple closes at 16:30, bring foldable stool for crowd-free red wall shots ✔️ Metro + e-scooters save time, Bell Tower District's belt noodles with Bingfeng soda = PERFECTION When dawn kisses the battlements and moonlight climbs the pagoda spire, Xi'an awaits with its millennium-spanning visual poetry! 📷✨

The Xi'an City Wall is not only one of the city's iconic landmarks but also a must-visit attraction for cycling 🚴🏻‍♀️ enthusiasts. The blend of modern cycling and ancient city walls creates a truly magical experience! When in Xi'an, how can you miss out on this cycling adventure? Friends who want to try cycling on the Xi'an City Wall, this guide is for you! A comprehensive cycling guide is attached 🙌 👀 Gear Checklist - Physical sun protection: The wall has no shade, so a sun-protective jacket + sunglasses are more practical than sunscreen. - Cycling gloves: Reduce palm discomfort caused by vibrations on the cobblestone path. - Phone stabilizer: Capture smoother footage for your cycling vlog. 🎫 Ticket & Bike Rental Guide - Ticket: ¥54/person (recommend purchasing in advance via mini-program and scanning ID for entry). - Bike rental locations: Available at the four main gates—South Gate (Yongningmen), East Gate (Changlemen), West Gate (Andingmen), and North Gate (Anyuanmen). - Rental fees: Single bike ¥45/3 hours, tandem bike ¥90/3 hours (¥100 deposit required). - Bike selection: Tandem bikes are ideal for couples (weight limit: 160kg). Recommended Cycling Route 👇 South Gate (Yongningmen) ➡️ West Gate (Andingmen) ➡️ North Gate (Anyuanmen) ➡️ East Gate (Changlemen) ➡️ South Gate (Yongningmen) This route covers all four main gates, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the Xi'an City Wall. The total distance is 13.74km, perfect for cycling, taking breaks, enjoying the scenery, and snapping photos. ⏰ A full loop takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Best to start at sunset—you’ll see the wall in daylight, enjoy the stunning sunset, and witness the breathtaking night views. 🚲 Bike Rental Locations & Operating Hours (Some rental points may close earlier; confirm in advance.) - South Gate East/South Gate West (400m service point): 8:00 AM–8:00 PM - Hanguang Gate: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM - East Gate (Changlemen), West Gate (Andingmen), North Gate (Anyuanmen): 8:15 AM–8:00 PM After cycling, return the bike at the nearest rental point. After 8:00 PM, all rentals must be returned at the South Gate rental point!! Recommended Entry Points 👇 - South Gate (Yongningmen): The main gate, highly photogenic, with a light show at night. - West Gate (Andingmen): A filming location for the drama *One and Only*—perfect for fans to snap a recreated shot. - East Gate (Changlemen): Offers an amazing sunset view with a picturesque scene.

Help! Three days and two nights to fully explore Chang'an City! A nanny-level guide that photo lovers will rejoice over, foodies will fall for, and history buffs will scream about is here! Day 1: Instantly travel through the Tang Dynasty universe Head straight to the Shaanxi History Museum in the morning! It houses 370,000 national treasures. Strongly recommend buying the 30 yuan Treasure Pavilion ticket—gold-inlaid beast head agate cup and gilded dancing horse cup are stunning beyond words! Remember to book 3 days in advance on the official account! Hanfu fans must go! The makeup and costume shop at the entrance offers a full Tang-style look for just over 200 yuan. Carry a round fan and stroll among the relics—your social media grid will be fully loaded with amazing shots! In the afternoon, rush to the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda! Asia’s largest musical fountain show starts on time. Find the viewing platform on the 4th floor of Joy City Mall, use the ancient pagoda as your backdrop for silhouette photos, and the atmosphere will be legendary! When night falls, the Great Tang All Day Mall instantly becomes "Chang'an’s top hotspot"! Fireworks and silver flowers, neon costumes—any live snapshot looks like a scene from a historical drama! To catch the unyielding lady with the roly-poly doll, reserve your spot early (North Square shows at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM). Holding hands here will instantly transport you back a thousand years! Day 2: A day of carb-fueled brain happiness Climb the Bell and Drum Towers early in the morning before the mist clears! The combined ticket for 50 yuan unlocks the romance of morning bells and evening drums. Take photos of the twin towers from the 5th-floor viewing platform of Kaiyuan Shopping Mall—perfect shots in no time! At noon, head to Sajinqiao! A foodie paradise packed with locals, you won’t want to stop eating from street to alley! Lao Ma’s beef pancake is so crispy it crumbles with every bite, Liu Xin’s paomo lets you tear the bread yourself for a ritual feel, and the osmanthus-infused persimmon paste from Chahua Nong will send your taste buds to heaven with carbs and tea aroma! In the afternoon, rent a bike to explore the Ming City Wall! Recommended sections are Yongning Gate and Anding Gate. The sunset dyes the blue bricks amber, the moat sparkles, and bike rentals are half price after 6 PM! Chase a Chang'an sunset in the evening breeze—so beautiful it’ll bring tears to your eyes! Day 3: Touch the heartbeat of millennia-old civilization Early morning, rush to the Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin Shi Huang! Don’t trust the unofficial guides at the entrance; the official guided tour for 90 yuan for three people is super cost-effective! Seeing the thousands of unique terracotta soldiers will give you goosebumps all over! Remember: photography is prohibited to protect the relics. At night, the spectacular "Song of Everlasting Regret" performance at Huaqing Palace begins! The view from Zone A is amazing—lights, water mist, and live stage bring the love story of Li and Yang to life at the foot of Lishan Mountain. The impact is so strong you might have trouble sleeping! After the show, soak in the hot springs and gaze up at the starry sky over Lishan Mountain—pure bliss! Accommodation Guide ✅ Beginners choose Bell Tower: Metro Line 2 goes directly to all attractions, and you can stay in an Instagram-style guesthouse for around 150 yuan per person! ✅ Luxury near Qujiang: W Hotel/Westin, just downstairs from the Great Tang All Day Mall, with breathtaking night views! Transportation Tips ✅ Airport shuttle bus for 25 yuan goes straight to Bell Tower—perfect for lazy travelers! ✅ Search "Xi'an Electronic Metro Card" on Alipay for super convenient tap-in access! ✅ Shared bikes are everywhere, but avoid peak hours! Local Hidden Gems The red walls and Buddha eyes at Guangren Temple are super photogenic—instantly get a little Tibet vibe in Xi'an; the rooftop of the creative district at the Old Vegetable Market is perfect for industrial-style shots; at Shuyuanmen, find a grandpa to write your exclusive folding fan—maximum artsy vibes! A heartfelt reminder: Be sure to book all attractions in advance on the "Xi'an Culture and Tourism" app! Save this guide, and the next Chang'an traveler could be you!

1️⃣ Blooming Time & Flowers ⏰ From late February to mid-March, forsythia and winter jasmine bloom first, dazzling with gold. From mid-March to early April, apricot and peach blossoms take over, painting the scene in shades of pink and white. From mid-to-late April, peonies and tree peonies showcase their elegance and grace. 2️⃣ Flower Viewing Routes ✅ East Section: Starting from Yongning Gate and heading east to Changle Gate, enjoy forsythia, apricot blossoms, and peach blossoms along the way, with diverse scenery. ✅ West Section: From Yongning Gate, head west to Anding Gate. Don't miss the Peony Garden near Hanguang Gate, where peonies and tree peonies add to the ancient charm. 3️⃣ Photo Spots📷 Corner towers, enemy towers, and horse walks are all excellent spots. With ancient architecture as the backdrop and flowers in the foreground, you can easily take stunning photos📷 4️⃣ Nearby Amenities The area around the city wall is full of delicious food. Zhu Bashi Market offers Fan Ji Rou Jia Mo and Zhao Ji Mung Bean Cake. For accommodation, you can choose the JI Hotel or W Hotel near Yongning Gate🏨 5️⃣ Important Notes⚠️ 🌟 The light is best between 10:00 and 16:00. Remember to wear sunscreen when enjoying the flowers🌸. 🌟 Please protect the flowers and plants; do not climb or pick them. 🌟 Check the ticket policy in advance and bring your ID. 🌟 The spring chill lingers, so bring a warm jacket👔

As a native "child of the city wall," every time I pass by Anding Gate at the west gate, I feel that this place holds the most unique charm of Xi'an🔥. The electric scooters zipping through the gate, the elderly playing chess under the wall, and even the milky scent wafting from the children's hospital all seem to say: this is Xi'an, a magical blend of ancient and vibrant life. 🏰 The profound history of Anding Gate As a "veteran" of Xi'an's city wall spanning thirteen dynasties, the name "Anding" (meaning "peace and stability") exudes authority. The bricks and tiles on the wall seem to tell stories, and when you look up, you might almost glimpse soldiers on horseback from a thousand years ago—truly awe-inspiring! 👶 The gentle daily life around the children's hospital This area is filled with family concerns✨: hurried parents carrying their children, balloon vendors, and parents soothing their kids on the steps. Across the street, a small shop always has fever patches in stock, while the noodle shop next door keeps its lights on 24/7, quietly supporting moments of anxiety.

The Fragrance of Chinaberry Blossoms on South Horse Road Lane South Horse Road Lane, a historic alley inside Xi'an's city wall, is located directly south of the West Gate, with the city wall to its west. It stretches 740 meters long and 10 meters wide, running from the South City Wall to the West Gate ramp. While not the site of major historical events, its fate has always been closely tied to the city wall's defense and urban transformation, with significant historical connections. In Xi'an, if there's a place that perfectly blends antiquity, history, and natural beauty, South Horse Road Lane is certainly one of them. In late spring and early summer, the blooming chinaberry flowers add a unique and captivating touch to this ancient alley. Starting from the southwest corner of the ancient city, park your bicycle and stroll slowly along the lane, and you'll see a row of tall chinaberry trees on the south side next to the city wall. These trees are lush with dense branches and leaves, providing ample shade, with clusters of flowers quietly guarding the ancient wall and the years that South Horse Road Lane has witnessed. The tree canopies line up along the trunks on the inner side of the city wall, like giant umbrellas woven from flowers and leaves, casting cool green shadows under the sun. Now is the season when chinaberry blossoms are in full bloom, with clusters and strings of light purple flowers densely adorning the branches, twinkling like stars and floating like gentle clouds. During this season of blooming chinaberry flowers at the western city wall of the ancient city, I came here to enjoy their fragrance, photograph the flowers, and trace historical footprints. The fragrance drifts to one lane and two neighborhoods of South Horse Road Lane. This lane is South Horse Road Lane, and the two neighborhoods are Longqu Bay and White Egret Bay. During the Tang Dynasty, this lane was part of the western government office area of the imperial city. The western side of the Tang Dynasty imperial city housed offices like the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Court of the Imperial Stud, and the vertical street where South Horse Road Lane is located was likely used for transporting supplies to government offices and for officials' travel, witnessing the administrative operations of the Tang Dynasty capital, though no specific events were recorded. During the An Lushan Rebellion in 756, Tang troops relied on the western wall of the imperial city to resist rebel forces, and the lane, as a passage inside the city wall, may have been used for troop deployment, though specific details are not found in historical records. In the Ming Dynasty, the military positioning of Horse Road Lane was established in the seventh year of Hongwu (1374). When the Xi'an city wall was expanded, horse ramps were added to access the wall, and South Horse Road Lane became a military passage connecting the South City Wall and the West Gate. In 1643, when Li Zicheng's rebel army besieged Xi'an, Ming troops transported firearms and provisions to the city wall through this lane, demonstrating its defensive value. The lane was also part of the daily patrol route for the Ming Dynasty Prince of Qin's guards. The Prince of Qin's Palace (now Xi'an New City Square) had guards who likely used this lane to travel to and from the city wall, making the lane part of the royal security system. During the Qing Dynasty, it transformed from a military passage to a civilian street. As the Governor-General's Office of Shaanxi and Gansu was established in Xi'an, South Horse Road Lane, close to the West Gate (then called "Fengyuan Gate"), was likely used for transporting documents and weapons between the northwestern frontier and inland areas, witnessing the Qing Dynasty's governance of the northwest. Later, during the Hui Muslim Rebellion in the 19th century, specifically in 1862, Qing forces reinforced the city wall's defenses. South Horse Road Lane, as an access route to the wall, housed garrison troops and stored gunpowder. Some parts of the wall still show signs of Qing Dynasty repairs. In modern Chinese history, it became a mark of war and urban renewal. During the Anti-Japanese War, after the Battle of Shanghai in 1937, Xi'an became a target for Japanese air raids. Air raid shelters were dug into the city wall on the west side of South Horse Road Lane (three still exist), with some tunnels extending to the edge of the lane, remaining physical evidence of modern defensive history. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, government protection and renovation began. During the 1983 restoration project of Xi'an's city wall, South Horse Road Lane was designated as a "buffer zone for protection inside the city wall," and some illegal buildings were demolished to restore the Ming and Qing Dynasty lane dimensions. In the early 21st century, cultural tourism was gradually introduced, completing the transformation from a "defensive passage" to a "cultural lane." As the breeze blows, the flower branches sway gently, making a soft rustling sound as they touch the old city bricks. Meanwhile, a unique fragrance fills the air—a slightly sweet, penetrating scent that's neither as rich and gorgeous as roses nor as fresh and elegant as jasmine. Its fragrance requires you to calm down and savor it carefully to appreciate its charm. This scent envelops the entire South Horse Road Lane and nearby neighborhoods, making everyone who passes by slow down and immerse themselves in this subtle fragrance.

A Stroll Along the City Wall: Listening to the Ancient Dreams of Chang'an In Xi'an, there's a place where time slows down the moment you step onto it - the ancient City Wall. Every brick and stone of the wall has weathered hundreds of years of wind and rain, carrying stories of ages past. As you stroll along, each step your shoes take against the stone seems to knock on history's door. Beneath your feet lies the solid, ancient wall, while above stretches the boundless sky. Looking into the distance, modern architecture interweaves with the ancient cityscape, blurring the boundaries between past and present. Walking along the wall, different gates reveal themselves one by one. Changle Gate, Yongning Gate, Anding Gate... each gate possesses its unique charm and historical significance, silently narrating tales of past glory and change. They have witnessed the smoke of war and the prosperity of golden ages, yet still stand firm today, protecting this city. As you walk, the sun gradually sets in the west, its gentle rays casting a golden edge on the city wall, transforming it into a breathtaking painting. From below, occasional bursts of Qinqiang opera pierce the air with their passionate, high-pitched melodies. These distinctive tones, rich with historical resonance, seem to transport you back to the ancient Chang'an. The City Wall is Xi'an's soul, a gift from history. Here, there's no need to rush. Simply slow down, feel the warmth between the bricks, and listen to the stories carried by the wind. Let this ancient wall guide you through time and space, exploring memories sealed by the years, and encountering a dream that belongs uniquely to Chang'an.

Autumn wind rises on the Wei River, fallen leaves fill Chang'an🍂 The city is in the water, the water is by the forest, a wave of clear water is in sight Touching the city wall is the warmth of the green bricks over the past six hundred years, Step by step is the orange and green of autumn to winter The early winter of Xi'an ancient city is poetic, When strolling under the city wall, by the moat, The golden ginkgo, the fiery red maple leaves, the evergreen pines, Weave a picture of colorful forests Walking along the route of Yuxiang Gate - Anding Garden - Anding Gate It's like stepping into the poetic Chang'an of ancient simplicity The spectacular golden earth, the majestic city wall Complement the romance of the moat～ Xi'an, probably a city you want to visit countless times after the first visit The preference for Xi'an starts from the feet and ends in the heart Explore your own treasure secret, Here I met Chang'an City again ➡️Start from outside Yuxiang Gate - Enter the Ring Park - Pass through Anding Garden (there are ginkgo trees and other scenic forests suitable for photography) - Anding Gate - Moon Bridge - Qiaozi Mouth Tips 🍁It is recommended to stroll between the afternoon and the evening, when the temperature is relatively comfortable, the light is sufficient and soft, and it is easier to take pictures 🍁Sitting by the moat enjoying the winter sun, reading and sightseeing is very comfortable; 🍁When the lights are on, walk along the route to the Moon Bridge to take pictures, it's very photogenic, after taking pictures, you can walk to the nearby Qiaozi Mouth to taste various local delicacies

#cityplaybook Xi’an’s Ming Dynasty City Wall is one of the most impressive and well-preserved ancient fortifications in the world. Stretching 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles) around the old city, this UNESCO-listed landmark offers breathtaking views, historical insights, and a unique way to experience Xi’an. Whether you walk, cycle, or simply admire its grandeur, here are the best spots to visit on the Xi’an City Wall. 1. South Gate (Yongningmen 永宁门) – The Grand Entrance Why Visit? The most iconic and well-preserved gate, often called the "main entrance" to the wall. Best for: First-time visitors, photography, cultural performances. Highlights: Evening light shows projecting historical scenes onto the gate. Traditional welcome ceremonies (seasonal, check schedules). Nearby attractions: Shuyuanmen Cultural Street (calligraphy & antiques). Tip: Rent a bike here—it’s the most popular starting point for cycling the wall. 2. West Gate (Andingmen 安定门) – Scenic & Serene Why Visit? Quieter than the South Gate, with beautiful views of the moat and park (Huan Cheng Xi Yuan). Best for: Leisurely walks, sunset views, local life. Highlights: Moat reflections at dusk make for stunning photos. Less crowded, ideal for a peaceful stroll. Nearby: Muslim Quarter is a short walk away for post-exploration snacks. Tip: Visit in late afternoon for golden-hour lighting. 3. East Gate (Changlemen 长乐门) – Historical Significance Why Visit? This gate was once the ceremonial entrance for emperors. Best for: History buffs, off-the-beaten-path exploration. Highlights: Original stone inscriptions and ancient architectural details. Less touristy, offering a more authentic experience. Nearby: The lively Dongxin Street food market. Fun Fact: "Changle" means "Eternal Joy," reflecting its imperial importance. 4. North Gate (Anyuanmen 安远门) – Military Heritage Why Visit? The most fortified gate, designed to defend against northern invasions. Best for: Learning about ancient defense strategies. Highlights: Massive watchtowers and arrow towers. Great views of Xi’an’s modern skyline contrasting with history. Nearby: Xi’an Railway Station (convenient for travelers). Tip: Look for the ancient cannons on display. 5. Corner Towers – Architectural Marvels Why Visit? The four corner towers (southwest, southeast, northwest, northeast) are engineering masterpieces. Best for: Unique photo ops, understanding wall construction. Highlights: Sweeping panoramic views of Xi’an. Less-visited, so you can explore without crowds. Photography Tip: The southwest corner offers the best light in the morning. 6. Cycling the Full Loop – The Ultimate Experience Why Do It? The best way to see the entire wall in 1.5–2 hours. Bike Rentals: Available at all main gates (¥45/$6 for 3 hours). Best Sections: South to West: Most scenic, with views of Bell Tower. North to East: Quieter, with glimpses of local neighborhoods. Warning: The brick surface can be bumpy, so wear comfortable shoes! 7. Night Views – A Magical Transformation Best Spots for Illuminations: South Gate (most dazzling lights). Moongazing Tower (Yuecheng Lou) near the southeast corner. Why Go? The wall is lit up from dusk until 10:00 PM, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. Pro Tip: Visit the Tang Dynasty Light Show near South Gate for a cultural spectacle. Bonus: Hidden Gems Hanguang Gate Ruins: A Tang Dynasty-era section preserved within the Ming wall. Calligraphy Engravings: Look for ancient inscriptions near the gates. Visiting Tips Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat/crowds. Ticket Price: ¥54 ($7.50) for entry; bike rental extra. Avoid: Midday in summer—the wall has little shade! Xi’an’s City Wall is a living monument where you can bike, walk, and soak in centuries of history. Whether you prefer the grandeur of South Gate, the serenity of West Gate, or the thrill of cycling the full loop, this ancient fortress offers something for every traveler. Don’t Miss: Pair your visit with a trip to the Bell Tower or Muslim Quarter for the ultimate Xi’an experience!