Walking along the ancient City walls in Xi'an, China

Strengthening the city of Xian, the ancient capital of Shaanxi Province, Guanzhong Plain in the center, is one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls. The wall was built in the 14th century, Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, on the advice of a hermit, who told him to "build high walls, store abundant food supplies, and wait for the time when he would become emperor," to strengthen the city and unify the other states. After the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang followed his advice and began to expand the walls of the city, originally built by the representatives of the old Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), thus creating a modern city wall of Xi'an. It is the best preserved city wall in China, and also one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.

Walking along the ancient City wall in Xi'an, China

Initially, the construction of the city wall of Xi'an was begun in 194 BC and completed in 4 years. After the completion of the wall length is 25.7 km and a width of 12-16 m at the base, wall protects an area of ??36 square kilometers. The first city wall was built of compacted sand, quick lime and glutinous rice extract. Later, the wall was completely covered with bricks. Photo and Text Vsegda-tvoj

The height of the city wall of Xian after its expansion during the reign of the Ming Dynasty is 12 meters. The wall thickness of 12-14 m the upper part and the lower 15-18 meters. 13.7 km length of the wall, and the area of ??the territory, surrounded by a wall - about 14 square kilometers within the city. Every 120 meters - the shaft of the main wall, which allows soldiers to see enemies trying to climb the wall. The distance between every two ramparts defined range shot from a bow.

In the wall of the four main gates that were the only way to enter the city or leave it in ancient times. Every several gate was monitored hourly at three towers.

The city was surrounded by a wide moat. Over the moat used to be a huge lift bridges that cut off the path into town.

Today the Wall of the Ming Dynasty mostly undamaged and open for visitors. You can walk around the perimeter of the wall, but to explore the historic city wall is better on the bike.

At the top of the wall, there is a great road on which you can walk or ride a bike. In fact, biking on top of the city wall is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the city of Xian. Cycling - it's also a great way to see the old town.

Source — Vsegda-tvoj