Route: City Wall - Shuyuanmen Cultural Street - Xi’an Beilin Museum - Xiangzimiao Street - Bell & Drum Tower - City God Temple

Xi’an is a complete showcase of ancient temples, palaces, as well as tombs and buildings. Follow this walking trail and immerse yourself in Xi’an’s profound history and culture.

Xi’an City Wall is the largest and well maintained one in the world. It is recommended that you ascend the City Wall at the South Gate, as the independent one-day walking tour will take it as center. The South Gate can be reached by Subway Line 2 (Yongningmen station), and bus no. 6, 11, 12, 23, 46, 215, 239, 600, 603, 60, etc. at South Gate Station. The admission fee is CNY54; however, it is more economical to buy a combo ticket of CNY100 for the City Wall and Beilin Museum. You may stroll along the flat top of the wall and take in the city view, and you could also look down at the activities of the locals in the parks around the wall. Cycling on the wall is a definitely a plus. It may take around 2 hours cycling the whole circle. You would easily find the bicycle rental point on the wall.

After descending the City Wall from South Gate, you should walk to the Shuyuanmen Cultural Street, which is located in the eastern side of the South Gate. This is an antique street with ancient architecture style in Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. Shuyuanmen won its name because the Guanzhong Shuyuan (central Shaanxi academy, established in the Ming Dynasty), which was one of the leading academies in ancient China was located here. Now there are a lot of shops selling calligraphy items, paper, paintings, jewelers and paper cuts. It is a good place to mooching around.

At the east of the end of Shuyuanment Street is the famous Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles Museum). This museum holds numerous inscribed tables from past dynasties, on which the history, culture, lifestyle as well as religions of China ancient time were written. It is very interesting to see how Chinese characters varied over times.

On the western side of the South Gate is the Xiangzimiao Street, just opposite the Shuyuanmen Street across the South Street. This street was named after Xiang Zi Temple, a Taoist temple. Xiang Zi, Han is a character in Chinese ancient legend, who became an immortal at last. After passing the old style archway, this street gives a feeling like stepping back in time and revisit the early days of Xian. It is flanked with many exquisite tea houses, bars, galleries and hostels. Many backpack travelers choose staying at hostels there.

Walk back to the South Street, the Bell Tower is just 900 meters (980 yards) northwards. On the top floor of the tower, you will get a nice view of the city center. The combo ticket of the Bell Tower and the nearby Drum Tower is CNY50.

After stepping out from the Drum Tower, walk along the West Street for about a few minutes, you will see a beautiful ancient archway, which is the entrance of the City God Temple. This temple is one of the top three City God temples in ancient China. It has been destroyed several times, and now it is restored very beautifully.

Your one day walking tour is wrapped up when you get back to the Bell Tower area, where you could find subway Line 1 and Line 2 and many buses to every corner of the city. Find your way back to your hotel.