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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lantern festivals & mild weather
South Gate Yongning Gate
Best Time
Lantern festivals & mild weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Xi'an's South Gate Yongning Gate: a gateway to ancient history, stunning city views, and vibrant night illuminations.
"Aim for sunset to see beautiful golden hour colors then watch all the decorative lights come on."
🚲 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Xi'an City Wall Ascent
South Gate
Climb the ancient fortifications for breathtaking panoramic views of Xi'an, especially magical at sunset.

Illuminated Architecture
South Gate
Experience the stunning transformation as decorative lights illuminate the classic Chinese architecture after dark.

Lantern Festival Spectacle
South Gate
During spring, witness vibrant lantern displays that add a festive and colorful dimension to the ancient site.

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Magic
Getting Around the Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 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: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.
:taxi:🏮 Spring lantern magic
Visit in spring for the enchanting lantern festivals, a truly unique experience.
:sparkler: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!
:athletic_shoe:🌅 Aim for sunset views
See the city glow during golden hour and watch the lights come on. Truly breathtaking!
:camerawithflash:📍 Taxi drop-off tip
Ask drivers to stop near a mall by the southern part for a beautiful link bridge view.
:taxi:🏮 Spring lantern magic
Visit in spring for the enchanting lantern festivals, a truly unique experience.
:sparkler:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
Don't miss the Chinese pancake shop mentioned by visitors – it's described as heavenly amazing!
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be mindful of any temporary restrictions or private areas. Drone photography might be restricted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚲 Active Explorers & Cyclists
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.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Xi'an City Wall
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.
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.
The Magic of Sunset and Night at South Gate
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.
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.
Local Flavors Near South Gate
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit