After a monumental 40-year restoration endeavor, Xi’an’s ancient city wall is once again encircled by a pristine moat, marking a significant achievement in urban conservation. The recently completed project has fully reconnected the moat water system for the first time in over seven decades, transforming what was previously considered an urban eyesore and seasonal flood hazard into a breathtaking historical landmark.
The revitalized moat now presents visitors with a spectacular visual panorama where sunlight dances upon crystal-clear waters against the majestic gray stone fortifications. This transformation has already captivated tourists, with many expressing astonishment at the dramatic improvement in both aesthetic appeal and environmental quality.
According to Jia Haitao, cultural heritage specialist at the Xi’an City Wall Management Committee, the 14.6-kilometer moat originally served as a critical military defense feature during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). “For centuries, successive dynasties maintained this defensive legacy utilizing both engineered and natural barriers against approaching forces,” Jia explained.
In contemporary times, the waterway functioned primarily as a storm drainage system until sedimentation and pollution gradually diminished its utility and created unpleasant odors. The restoration initiative launched in 1983 mobilized hundreds of thousands of local volunteers, with additional support coming from 5,000 PLA soldiers in 1998, creating shared community memories of collective civic effort.
The final 859-meter section near Xi’an Railway Station, completed January 20, 2026, presented particular challenges. Project manager Wang Jie from Sinohydro Corporation Engineering Bureau 15 described how silt accumulation averaging 1.2 meters had compromised drainage capacity and created seasonal flooding that inundated underground facilities.
The comprehensive rehabilitation included extensive desilting operations and the introduction of water-purifying vegetation including irises and water lilies to establish sustainable ecological circulation. The renewed moat now significantly enhances urban flood control capabilities while providing new green spaces for residents and visitors alike.
Local residents have welcomed the transformation, with Wang Jianguo recalling childhood memories of polluted waters now replaced by thriving ecosystems attracting waterbirds and surrounded by landscaped pathways. The illuminated nightscape of the ancient wall reflected in the restored waters has further elevated Xi’an’s tourism appeal, with travel content creators highlighting the moat-side experience as an essential attraction rivaling even the famous Terracotta Warriors.