Xian Travel Guide
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| Ancient City Wall |
The City Wall of Xi'an was established in the 3rd year of Hongwu Period of the Ming Dynasty(1370 A.D.) in a rectangular form with a perimeter of 13.79 km and an area of 11.47 km2. It is 12 meters tall, 14 meters wide at the top and 18 meters thick at the base with 18 gates and a surrounding moat, being the only best preserved large ancient fortress in China.
Anyuan Gate, the north gate, at the end of Welcome Avenue, is the must entry gate to the City from the airport and the central station. According to the historic records, when the honoured guests arrived at the gate, several armored guards would stand on the both sides, chanting "Open the Gate" at the same time and pulling the 2 scarlet doors out, meanwhile, guided by the ladies with lanterns in their hands, the officers would present the "welcoming wines" and issue the “visa” to every guest, then the guests would be allowed to walk on the red carpet, guarded by the officers and ladies to enter the city, then another officer would chop his "visa" with a scarlet seal. This is truly the special welcome ceremony of the Tang.
