Xi'an's Ancient City Wall: Exploring the Best Preserved Heritage Sites and Modern Charm

Xi'an's city wall isn't just a historical relic – it's a 14-kilometer elevated playground perfect for families. Rather than attempting to walk the entire perimeter (a feat that would exhaust even the most energetic kids), I highly recommend renting bicycles at the South Gate entrance. The wide, flat pathway atop the wall provides a unique vantage point to witness where ancient and modern Xi'an meet.

My favorite time to cycle is early morning when temperatures are mild and crowds are thin. The rental bikes aren't exactly high-performance models, but they're sturdy enough for the journey. For families with younger children, tandem bikes and child seats are available. Pack a insulated water bottle as spring days can warm up quickly, and hydration is essential during your adventure.

As you pedal along, you'll pass ancient guard towers juxtaposed against gleaming skyscrapers. Take frequent breaks to absorb the views – to the inside, you'll see the historic city center; to the outside, modern Xi'an sprawls toward the horizon. The entire circuit takes about 2 hours with stops, making it manageable for most families with school-aged children.

After my daughter's illness in Thailand years ago, I've made exploring traditional medicine practices a cornerstone of my travels. Xi'an's Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street (书院门) offers one of the most accessible introductions to traditional Chinese medicine for Western families.

This narrow pedestrian lane, located just outside the South Gate of the city wall, is lined with apothecaries displaying everything from dried herbs to more exotic ingredients. What makes this area special is that several shops offer English explanations and even demonstrations of how various remedies are prepared.

I was particularly impressed by Tongrentang Pharmacy, a centuries-old establishment where pharmacists will sometimes take time to explain the basics of Chinese medicine theory to curious visitors. My digital translator was invaluable here, helping bridge communication gaps when discussing specific medicinal properties.

For families, this becomes a fascinating educational opportunity. My young travel companions were captivated by the colorful displays of herbs, the distinctive aromas, and the careful weighing and packaging of ingredients. Many shops also sell beginner-friendly wellness teas and herbal soaps that make great souvenirs while introducing children to concepts of natural healing.

Xi'an's Muslim Quarter transforms into a vibrant sensory playground after sunset, making it my top recommendation for families seeking cultural immersion through food. This historic neighborhood, home to Xi'an's Hui Muslim community for over a thousand years, centers around the Great Mosque and explodes with activity as evening approaches.

The narrow lanes fill with street food vendors selling everything from hand-pulled Biang Biang noodles (the character is so complex it's often just written as Biang Biang) to lamb skewers grilled with cumin and chili. For families with picky eaters, the variety ensures everyone finds something appealing. My personal favorite is the roujiamo – often called a "Chinese hamburger" – featuring slow-cooked spiced meat in a freshly baked flatbread.

Beyond food, the market offers fascinating shopping opportunities. I always pack a foldable tote bag that tucks into my daypack, perfect for carrying small souvenirs or street food purchases without adding bulk during daytime sightseeing.

While the market can get crowded, it's generally very family-friendly. Children are particularly enchanted by the candy-pulling demonstrations, where artisans stretch and fold sweet maltose into intricate shapes. Just keep little ones close, as the narrow pathways can get congested during peak hours.

Getting around Xi'an efficiently can make or break your family trip, especially when traveling with children who have limited patience for transportation hassles. After multiple visits, I've developed a system that balances convenience, cost, and authentic experiences.

The city's metro system is modern, clean, and connects most major attractions. Line 2 is particularly useful for tourists, stopping near the city wall, Muslim Quarter, and the Bell Tower. For families, I recommend purchasing a travel money belt to keep metro cards and cash secure yet accessible.

Taxis are abundant and relatively affordable, but language barriers can present challenges. I've found that having your destination written in Chinese characters is essential – the concierge at your accommodation can help with this. For destinations within the city wall, walking is often faster than driving due to traffic congestion.

One of my favorite Xi'an transportation hacks is using DiDi (China's equivalent to Uber) through their English-language app. This eliminates communication issues and provides upfront pricing. Just ensure you have a VPN service installed before arriving in China, as you'll need it to access many familiar apps.

For day trips to the Terracotta Warriors (about an hour outside the city), skip the organized tours and take public bus #5 (306) from the east square of Xi'an Railway Station. At just ¥7 (about $1 USD), it's a fraction of the cost of taxis or tours, runs every 10 minutes, and drops you directly at the museum entrance.

While Xi'an's city center deserves at least 3-4 days of exploration, the surrounding region offers remarkable experiences worth venturing beyond the ancient walls. These day trips provide a perfect balance to urban sightseeing, especially for families needing to burn off energy.

The Terracotta Warriors are undoubtedly the most famous attraction, but visiting with children requires strategy. I recommend bringing a kids travel journal to keep young ones engaged with age-appropriate information and activities. The sheer scale of the archaeological pits is impressive even to children, but the museum can get crowded and overwhelming. Visit first thing in the morning and focus on Pit 1 (the largest) if attention spans are waning.

For a less-visited but equally fascinating experience, head to the Huaqing Hot Springs at the base of Lishan Mountain. Beyond the historical significance (this was where the famous Xi'an Incident occurred in 1936), the beautifully landscaped grounds provide ample space for children to explore. The natural hot springs have been enjoyed since the Tang Dynasty, and several pools are maintained at different temperatures. My family particularly enjoyed the foot-soaking pools after days of walking Xi'an's streets.

Perhaps my favorite day trip is Mount Huashan, one of China's sacred mountains. While the infamous plank walk is decidedly not family-friendly, the cable car to the North Peak provides spectacular views that even children can appreciate. Pack plenty of snacks, as prices on the mountain are inflated, and wear proper hiking shoes – some sections have steep stairs carved into the mountain face.