The Xi'an City Wall is the largest landmark architecture in the thousand-year-old ancient capital of Xi'an in Northwest China's Shaanxi province. It is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in the country.

A spectacular night view of Xi'an City Wall. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

Over the past 1,400 years, the Xi'an City Wall has witnessed the vicissitudes of history.

The Yongning Gate of the Xi'an City Wall, known as the "Gate of Etiquette" and the "Gate of Culture", has received dignitaries and distinguished guests from more than 40 countries worldwide.

Xi'an residents have consistently safeguarded the city wall, preserving it as both an ancient military defense structure in the past and a present-day national treasure-level cultural relic in their own unique manner.

In the 1950s, with the persistence of experts, scholars, and people from all walks of life, Xi'an city wall protection ushered in the dawn.

In 1961, Xi'an City Wall was listed as the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units.

On April 1, 1983, the "Xi'an Ring City Construction Project" started amidst the residents' expectations, and large-scale repairs of the city wall and city ring park were officially launched.

Spanning over two decades, the project stands as Xi'an's most extensive cultural relics protection endeavor. The city wall, after meticulous repair and restoration efforts, has been returned to its original splendor.

Staff members of Xi'an City Wall Management Committee conduct vibration tests on the city wall. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

The Xi'an City Wall Management Committee was formally established in 2004. With the wholehearted care of a professional team, the city wall has entered a more scientific and sustainable stage of protection.

This year, Xi'an conducted the first-ever physical examination of the entire 13.74-kilometer section of the city wall.

Employing geological radar, high-precision surface wave methods, and other technical tools, non-destructive detection of the city wall's interior was conducted. A three-dimensional data model has been established to provide important reference for the next step of protection and restoration.

Xi'an City Wall is once again at the forefront of the country in this preventive protection practice.

A large number of tourists climb the Xi'an City Wall to enjoy the beauty of the ancient city. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

Currently, there are over 8,000 monitoring points installed on the city wall, 24 groundwater level monitoring points around the Xi'an City Moat, and vibration monitoring points established where the metro train passes through the city gate. These monitoring points work around the clock to ensure the safety of the city wall.

In September this year, the International Ancient Walls and Castles Alliance initiated by the Xi'an City Wall Management Committee was established, with 13 members from four countries.

In just over a month, it will be the Year of the Dragon, and the 18 gates of the Xi'an City Wall will be replaced with brand-new Spring Festival couplets, sending hope and yearning for the new year.