Personal-Travel-Photo-Review: the defensive wall of Xi’an, China, 2010. If you ever get the chance to bike the 8.5 mile wall of Xi-an, do it. (That’s me on the bike) Originally constructed in 618 – 907ce, (modified 1368-1644) it is one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world with elegant corner guardhouses. They have an annual festival on its ramparts consisting of colorful cartoon characters. Inside the wall is a mix of modern and ancient neighborhoods, including ancient temples and one of the oldest Muslim quarters in China because it was on the silk and spice roads. Xi-an is also the home of the Terracotta-Warriors. Fascinating place!