South Gate Yongning Gate - Visiting the Diaoyucheng village in Chongqing, China. The day was very foggy and obscured. These photos are part of the climb to the top.
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South Gate Yongning Gate

4.8
·41 reviews·Xi An Shi, China

Xi'an's South Gate Yongning Gate: a gateway to ancient history, stunning city views, and vibrant night illuminations.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring evenings

Lantern festivals & mild weather

CrowdMedium
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South Gate Yongning Gate - Visiting the Diaoyucheng village in Chongqing, China. The day was very foggy and obscured. These photos are part of the climb to the top.

South Gate Yongning Gate

Best Time

Spring evenings

Lantern festivals & mild weather

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Xi'an's South Gate Yongning Gate: a gateway to ancient history, stunning city views, and vibrant night illuminations.

4.8
(41 reviews)

"Aim for sunset to see beautiful golden hour colors then watch all the decorative lights come on."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Rent a bike for the wall

South Gate is ideal for bike rentals to explore the 13km wall. Enjoy the latest closing hours! :athletic_shoe:

🌅 Aim for sunset views

See the city glow during golden hour and watch the lights come on. Truly breathtaking! :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Xi'an City Wall Ascent

Xi'an City Wall Ascent

South Gate

Climb the ancient fortifications for breathtaking panoramic views of Xi'an, especially magical at sunset.

Reddit
Illuminated Architecture

Illuminated Architecture

South Gate

Experience the stunning transformation as decorative lights illuminate the classic Chinese architecture after dark.

Reddit
Lantern Festival Spectacle

Lantern Festival Spectacle

South Gate

During spring, witness vibrant lantern displays that add a festive and colorful dimension to the ancient site.

Reddit
Bike Ride on the Ramparts

Bike Ride on the Ramparts

South Gate

Rent a bike and cycle the 13km wall, enjoying the freedom and expansive views. The South Gate offers the latest rental hours.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Magic

Aim for sunset to witness the South Gate transform. Golden hour paints the ancient architecture beautifully, followed by a dazzling light show. Springtime offers the added charm of lantern festivals. Reddit

Getting Around the Walls

The South Gate is your prime spot for renting bikes to explore the 13km city wall. It boasts the latest closing time, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy your rental. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring evenings
Why
Lantern festivals & mild weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour & light show
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Part 2 South east vs south gate rivalry something else 🤣 Go watch Part 1 at @Irvin🥑 #southgate #losangeles
@tweedyboyz
62.2K likes • 803.9K views

🚲 Rent a bike for the wall

South Gate is ideal for bike rentals to explore the 13km wall. Enjoy the latest closing hours! Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🌅 Aim for sunset views

See the city glow during golden hour and watch the lights come on. Truly breathtaking! Reddit :camerawithflash:

New Park In South Gate 📍Urban Orchard 9475 W Frontage Rd South Gate CA 90280 #southgate #urbanorchard #explorepage✨ #naturepark #thingstodowithkids
@ochoafamily04
47.7K likes • 513.7K views
reddit.com

Redditors of Xi'an: best way to spend 24 hours in your town.

📍 Taxi drop-off tip

Ask drivers to stop near a mall by the southern part for a beautiful link bridge view. Reddit :taxi:

🏮 Spring lantern magic

Visit in spring for the enchanting lantern festivals, a truly unique experience. Reddit :sparkler:

reddit.com

Xi'an hotel or area to stay

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Rent a bike for the wall

South Gate is ideal for bike rentals to explore the 13km wall. Enjoy the latest closing hours! Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🌅 Aim for sunset views

See the city glow during golden hour and watch the lights come on. Truly breathtaking! Reddit :camerawithflash:

📍 Taxi drop-off tip

Ask drivers to stop near a mall by the southern part for a beautiful link bridge view. Reddit :taxi:

🏮 Spring lantern magic

Visit in spring for the enchanting lantern festivals, a truly unique experience. Reddit :sparkler:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(41 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the South Gate's stunning beauty, especially at sunset and night when the ancient architecture is illuminated. The opportunity to rent bikes and cycle the expansive city wall is a major highlight, with the South Gate being a convenient access point due to its late hours. Some find the area crowded during peak times.

"Visit during spring time is the best way to explore south gate they having lantern festival. Overlook the city is breath taking with fest of lighting show."

Justin Wong

"The South Gate is an excellent entry point to get on the Xi'an ancient city wall. I'd recommend coming here first and walking around to get a lay of the land. Aim for sunset so you can see beautiful golden hour colors then watch all the decorative lights come on to highlight the beautiful classic Chinese architecture. Also see beautiful malls light up with modern/futuristic lights and decorations."

Kellen McInerny

"I love it. South gate is the most pretty of all gates. There's also a Chinese pancake shop (up and then left) that taste heavenly amazing. Is a good area to take a walk. Walls are long and wide - 13km in total. If u got time u can rent a bike to try it yourself"

Arvi Da Mayo Wow

What People Like

Breathtaking sunset views
Magical night illuminations
Excellent bike rental access

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can easily reach South Gate Yongning Gate via public transport. Many bus routes stop nearby, and it's a common destination for taxis and ride-sharing services like Didi. If taking a taxi, it's often recommended to ask the driver to stop at a mall near the southern part of the gate for access to a beautiful link bridge. Reddit

Yes, the South Gate area is well-served by Xi'an's subway system. Look for stations on Line 2 that are close to the city wall's southern section. From the station, it's a short walk to the gate itself. TikTok

For stunning photos, consider approaching from the south. Asking your taxi to drop you near a mall can lead you to a beautiful link bridge that offers great vantage points of the gate and the surrounding modern city. Reddit

Besides the gate itself, look for the beautiful link bridge near the southern part of the gate, which offers excellent photo opportunities. The gate also serves as a primary access point to the Xi'an City Wall. Reddit

Yes, South Gate is a popular area, so you'll find plenty of taxis and ride-sharing services available. Public buses also run frequently, making it easy to get to other parts of the city. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While you can access the area around South Gate Yongning Gate for free, you will need a ticket to climb onto the Xi'an City Wall itself. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Reddit

The gate area is generally accessible at all times. However, for climbing the city wall and renting bicycles, specific hours apply. The South Gate is known for having the latest closing time for wall access and bike rentals, typically until 10 PM or later. Reddit

Admission to the Xi'an City Wall typically costs around 54 RMB for adults. Prices can vary, so it's always a good idea to check the latest information before your visit. Reddit

Yes, it is often possible to purchase tickets for the Xi'an City Wall online in advance through various travel platforms. This can save you time queuing at the ticket office, especially during peak season. Reddit

The standard ticket grants access to walk or cycle on the wall. Some packages might include bike rentals, but generally, bike rental is a separate fee paid at the gate. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

South Gate Yongning Gate is a primary access point to the magnificent Xi'an City Wall. You can climb the wall, rent a bicycle for a 13km ride, enjoy panoramic city views, and witness stunning light displays at night. Reddit

The Xi'an City Wall is 13km long, and biking it is a popular and highly recommended activity for experiencing its scale and views. Walking the entire length is feasible but takes several hours. Reddit

Sunset is highly recommended. You'll experience the beautiful golden hour colors over the city and then witness the spectacular illumination of the ancient architecture as night falls. Reddit

Absolutely! The link bridge near the southern part of the gate offers fantastic photo opportunities. Climbing the wall itself provides numerous vantage points for capturing the city and the wall's grandeur. Reddit

South Gate showcases classic Chinese architecture, beautifully preserved and enhanced by modern lighting systems at night. It's a blend of historical grandeur and contemporary spectacle. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the area around South Gate is bustling with dining options. You can find everything from local street food to more formal restaurants. A specific mention includes a highly-rated Chinese pancake shop located just up and to the left of the gate. Reddit

You can expect a wide variety of Chinese cuisine. From savory pancakes and local snacks to more elaborate regional dishes, the area caters to diverse tastes. Reddit

While the focus is on local Chinese cuisine, the proximity to modern malls and tourist areas means you can likely find some international fast-food chains or restaurants if you venture a bit further. Reddit

There are limited food options directly on the city wall itself. It's generally better to eat before or after your exploration, either near the gate or in the surrounding city areas. Reddit

Don't miss the Chinese pancake shop mentioned by visitors – it's described as heavenly amazing! Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The link bridge near the southern part of the gate offers a fantastic perspective. Climbing the wall provides numerous angles of the ancient structure and the cityscape. Sunset and nighttime are prime times for dramatic shots. Reddit

Sunset is ideal for capturing the warm golden hour light on the architecture. As dusk settles, the city lights and the gate's illumination create a magical scene. Springtime offers the added visual appeal of lantern festivals. Reddit

Yes, but be cautious. It's best to stop your bike in designated areas or pull over to the side to take photos to ensure your safety and that of others. Reddit

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for capturing both wide cityscapes and architectural details. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography at sunset and night. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be mindful of any temporary restrictions or private areas. Drone photography might be restricted. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

South Gate Yongning Gate and the Xi'an City Wall offer a fantastic adventure for families. Renting bicycles on the wall is a fun way to keep kids engaged, and the 13km stretch provides plenty of space. The wall's height also offers a sense of adventure without being overly daunting. TikTok

Consider visiting during the day for a more relaxed experience, or brave the evening light show for a magical, albeit potentially more crowded, outing. The Urban Orchard park mentioned in TikTok is another nearby option for younger children seeking green space and play areas. TikTok

🚲 Active Explorers & Cyclists

For those who love to be active, the Xi'an City Wall accessed via South Gate is a dream. The 13km circuit is perfect for a dedicated bike ride, and South Gate is the ideal starting point due to its latest closing hours for rentals. You can rent a bike for a few hours and leisurely explore the entire perimeter. Reddit

Remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for cycling. The wall's surface is well-maintained, making for a smooth ride. Don't forget to stop at various points to admire the views and take photos. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers

South Gate is a paradise for photographers, especially those chasing the perfect sunset shot. The golden hour light illuminating the ancient architecture is simply stunning. As night falls, the city's illumination combined with the gate's own lighting creates a dramatic and romantic scene. Reddit

Bring your best camera gear, perhaps a versatile lens and a tripod for low-light conditions. The link bridge near the southern part of the gate is a known vantage point for capturing the grandeur of the structure. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Xi'an City Wall

The Xi'an City Wall, with South Gate Yongning Gate as a prime entry point, is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. It stretches for an impressive 13 kilometers, offering a unique perspective on the city's history and modern development. Visitors can choose to walk its entirety, a journey that takes several hours, or opt for the more dynamic experience of cycling. Reddit

South Gate is particularly recommended for those wanting to rent bicycles. It boasts the latest operating hours for wall access and bike rentals, ensuring you have ample time to enjoy your three-hour rental window without feeling rushed. The wall's width allows for comfortable cycling, and numerous points offer stunning views of both the ancient city within and the newer districts outside. Reddit

Beyond the physical exploration, the wall is a cultural experience. During spring, it often hosts vibrant lantern festivals, adding a spectacular visual dimension. At night, the entire structure is illuminated, transforming it into a breathtaking spectacle of light and classic Chinese architecture. TikTokReddit

The Magic of Sunset and Night at South Gate

Visiting South Gate Yongning Gate around sunset is an experience highly praised by travelers. As the sun begins to dip, the ancient Chinese architecture of the gate is bathed in a warm, golden light, creating a picturesque scene. This 'golden hour' offers unparalleled opportunities for photography and simply soaking in the historical ambiance. Reddit

As twilight deepens, the South Gate and the surrounding sections of the city wall come alive with a dazzling light show. Thousands of decorative lights highlight the intricate details of the gate and ramparts, creating a dramatic and romantic atmosphere. This transformation from day to night is a highlight for many visitors, offering a stark contrast between the historical structure and the modern city's illumination. Reddit

This dual experience of sunset beauty and nighttime illumination makes the South Gate a must-visit. It's a place where history meets modern spectacle, providing a memorable visual feast for all who come. Reddit

Local Flavors Near South Gate

The area surrounding South Gate Yongning Gate is a culinary hotspot, offering a taste of authentic Xi'an flavors. While exploring the historical sites, don't miss the opportunity to indulge in local delicacies. One highly recommended spot is a Chinese pancake shop located just 'up and then left' from the gate, described by visitors as 'heavenly amazing.' Reddit

Beyond this specific recommendation, the vicinity is dotted with numerous eateries catering to various palates. You can find everything from quick street food snacks to more formal dining experiences. The proximity to modern malls also means that international fast-food options are available if you're craving something familiar. Reddit

Sampling the local food is an integral part of the Xi'an experience. Whether you're enjoying a savory pancake or trying other regional specialties, the culinary offerings near South Gate add another rich layer to your visit. Reddit

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