Tek O.
Google
The Xi’an City Wall dates back to the early Ming Dynasty (1370s), built under the orders of Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Ming emperor, to strengthen defenses after years of war. It replaced earlier Tang Dynasty earth walls, using rammed earth reinforced with brick, showing a major advancement in military architecture.
At 13.7 km long, the wall featured 98 ramparts, watchtowers, and four main gates, forming a complete defense system to protect Chang’an, a former imperial capital and key hub of the Silk Road. Xi’an’s location made it vital for controlling trade routes, military movement, and imperial authority in northwest China.
Today, the wall remains one of the best-preserved city walls in China, offering a rare glimpse into Ming-era urban planning while continuing to shape the city’s identity more than six centuries later.