Photo credit
The original Xian city wall was started in 194 BCE and took 4 years to finish.
The first city wall was built of earth, quick lime, and glutinous rice extract, tamped together.
Later, the wall was totally enclosed with bricks.
Xian’s city wall, after its enlargement in the Ming Dynasty, stands 12 meters high.
The distance between every two ramparts is just within the range of arrow shot from either side.
Each gate is overlooked by sentries on three towers.
A wide moat ran around the city.
Today, the Ming dynasty wall is mostly intact and open to visitors.
The wall has a road on the top perfect for walking or biking.
In fact, cycling atop the city wall is one of the popular activities on Xian.
Cycling is also a great way to see the old city.
Sources:Wikipedia/Travel China Guide
