South Gate (Yongningmen)

Overview

South Gate (Yongningmen) is one of the main gates of the ancient City Wall of Xi'an. It offers a glimpse into the historic fortifications and provides panoramic views of the city.

It is a well-preserved part of the ancient city wall, showcasing traditional Chinese architecture and historical importance.

Historical Site Viewpoint

Location

Address

Shuncheng Lane, Beilin, Xian, Shaanxi

Neighborhood: Beilin

Coordinates

34.261300, 108.946600

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

¥45

Children

¥23 (1.2-1.5m height), Free (below 1.2m)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• cherry blossoms
• spring flowers

summer

hot and humid

• extended evening hours

autumn

cool and pleasant

• autumn foliage
• clear skies

winter

cold, occasional snow

• winter decorations
• holiday lights

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Bring valid ID
Check weather conditions

What to Bring

essential

ID water bottle printed tickets

seasonal

jacket in winter umbrella in rainy season

not allowed

large backpacks drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate, some walking and climbing stairs

• stairs and uneven surfaces

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

cash (CNY), credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Typical Costs

entry ¥45

parking ¥15

food ¥50

souvenirs ¥30-100

Dress Code

casual, comfortable, comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sneakers or walking shoes, inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• at least 3 days in advance
• official website or authorized vendors
• 48 hours in advance for a full refund
• available for online tickets

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Xi'an City Wall Official App

Size: 35 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide in multiple languages, Ticket booking and e-tickets, Historical information and virtual tours

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe, Near the main gate

Charging Stations: Rest areas, visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport

Distance: 25 km

Travel Time: 45 minutes

taxi

¥150-200 45 min

public_transport

¥20-30 60-75 min

From City Center

Distance: 3 km from the Bell Tower

metro

¥2 10 min

bus

¥1-2 15-20 min

taxi

¥15-20 10-15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Proud historical landmark, symbol of Xi'an's rich history

Historical Significance: Part of the ancient city wall built during the Ming Dynasty, played a crucial role in protecting the city

Insider Tips

Early morning visits offer a peaceful experience with fewer tourists
The best local snacks can be found at the nearby Muslim Quarter
Renting a bike to cycle along the city wall is a unique experience

Local Recommendations

• Try local snacks at the nearby Muslim Quarter
• Visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower nearby
• Ask for a local guide for historical insights

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)

thank_you 谢谢 (Xièxiè)

where_is 在哪里？(Zài nǎlǐ?)

how_much 多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?)

beautiful 漂亮 (Piàoliang)

ticket 票 (Piào)

Guide Languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

South Gate entrance

Best Time: Golden hour (sunrise or sunset)

Tips: Capture the gate from a low angle for a grand perspective

Result: Iconic shot of the ancient gate

#Xi'an #SouthGate #CityWall #HistoricalXi'an

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, viewpoints

prohibited areas security checkpoints, restricted historical sites

flash photography not allowed in some areas

commercial photography permit required for commercial shoots

drone policy prohibited without special permission

tripod policy restricted, only with permission

selfie sticks allowed but caution advised

Nearby Attractions

Muslim Quarter

Distance: 0.5 km

Walking: 7 min

Type: Cultural Area

Bell Tower

Distance: 1.5 km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Historical Landmark

Drum Tower

Distance: 1.5 km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Historical Landmark

Shaanxi History Museum

Distance: 2 km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Museum

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Distance: 4 km

Walking: 50 min

Type: Historical Site

Reviews

4.7

Based on 1,500 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book tickets online in advance"
"Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience"
"Comfortable shoes are a must"

Contact Information

+86 29 8729 9092

info@xiancitywall.com

www.xiancitywall.com

Social Media

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