Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian

Facts of Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Names: Simplified Chinese: 大雁塔; pinyin: Dàyàn Tǎ

History: Built in 652 A.D

Location: Yanta North Road business district and shopping centers

Opening Hours: 8:00 - 17:00

Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved Buddhist pagoda standing in the Da Ci'en Temple (Great Kindness and Grace) complex in the southern suburb of Xian city. The Pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang dynasty (618-907) to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the prominent Buddhist translator and traveler Xuanzang. The standing structure was renovated from the remains rebuilt in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). A wide-open plaza with display of music fountains was added to this attraction in recent years, making it a great sight to see.

The pagoda now stands 64.5 meters (211.6 feet) high like a square cone. The construction of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda borrowed a bracket style used in traditional Chinese architecture. The entire structure was built with layers of bricks without any cement in a shape of pyramid. Inside the pagoda, wooden steps and flooring are designed leading to the top. On the walls, there are statues of Buddha and tablets inscribed by those who had passed the imperial examinations in Shaanxi over a thousand years.

Tips for Visiting Big Wild Goose Pagoda

1. Da Ci'en Temple (Great Kindness and Grace) where the Big Wild Goose Pagoda stands is still a living temple. Visitors might be lucky to encounter a chanting meditation performed by the monks and pilgrims.

2. The pagoda provides nice panorama view of the current Xian city for the energetic that climbs up to the top.

3. The pagoda looks nice with lights at night and water fountain show on the open plaza just in front of the temple.

Transport to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

1. Subway: Take Xian Subway Line 2 to Xiaozhai Station (Exit C) and walk forward to the North Square for about 10 minutes.

2. Taxi: It costs approx. CNY 15 rom Xian Railway Station.

3. A day car rental in Xian city allows you great flexibility to enjoy visit of Wild Goose Pagoda and other sites.