Hanguang Gate
Life at a Gentle Pace
Slow Living & Small Surprises Beneath the City Walls Around Hanguang Gate
History
Hanguang Gate is one of the key gates on the southern section of Xi’an’s city wall. Unlike the bustling Yongning Gate (South Gate), it retains a sense of calm and dignity. Standing beneath the wall, looking up at the large carved characters “Hanguang Gate,” you can feel the weight of centuries of history.
Experience
Come here in the evening for a stroll. The setting sun warms the wall, while the air is filled with the heat from nearby kitchens and the coolness of stone-paved streets. It feels both grounded and quietly beautiful.
The Alley
Between the gate and the wall lies a quiet alley. On either side are scattered small restaurants (some are hotpot spots popular with locals). But the real charm isn’t the food — it’s the alley itself. On one side, the towering wall; on the other, lively shops and homes. Ancient and modern are separated by only a wall. Sunlight filters through, casting mottled shadows, blending with the flow of everyday life.
