The Ramparts of Quebec City and Xian City

Strolling on the fortifications of Quebec City in Canada is like walking or biking on the ancient city walls of Xian City in China, a must-do activity when you travel the two historic cities.

Quebec City boasts the only remaining fortified city walls in North America north of Mexico. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America. Its ancient city walls and its whole upper town were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.

Its original fortifications were built 1620-1665. Now Quebec City has close to 4.6 km of walls and 4 imposing gates. Porte St-Louis and Porte St-Jean are the main gates through the walls from the modern section of downtown; the Kent Gate was a gift to the province from Queen Victoria.

Now the remaining Xian City Wall is 12 meters tall, 12-14 meters wide with a perimeter of 14km in length with a deep moat surrounding it. You can walk, even cycle on the wall. Plan your Xian tour? Xian City Wall, not to be missed!

Porte St-Jean

Quebec city wall 1

Quebec City Wall 2

Quebec City Wall 3

Porte St-Louis

The South Gate to Xian City Wall

Climbing up the City Wall in Xian

Biking on Xian City Wall

Tip: Hassle-free Xian Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for Xian guided tours:

Further Readings