The best way to tourXi'an's city walls is on two wheels.

The Xi'an City Wall Scenic Area is in the central part ofXi'an, capital ofShaanxiprovince.

The city walls have a total length of13.74 kmand were built during the early years of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), though there were earlier walls built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).

The walls are thicker than they are tall, which gives them great defensive solidity.

The defensive wall system has a number of military aspects, including a moat, drawbridges, gateways, watchtowers and turrets.

Since 1983, the governments ofShaanxiprovince andXi'anmunicipality have carried out large-scale renovations of the city's walls, including the East Gate, North Gate Watchtower andSouth Gatebuildings and drawbridges.

Outside the city walls is a park, surrounded by a moat; while inside the city walls are old-style streets and plenty of places to buy souvenirs and find board and lodging.

Recommended cycling route:Xi'anCity Wall Scenic Area

Estimated duration:one hour

Best season for cycling:spring and autumn

Bicycle rental:Bicycles are available at all four wall gates from 8 am to 9:30 pm.

The rental fee for a bike is 40 yuan ($6.35) for 100 minutes. For a double-seat bike, it is 60 yuan and will rise to 80 yuan in May when they are replaced with new ones.

Reminder:The wall route is a little bumpy and you should take care.