Religious site · SHAANXI
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
大雁塔 · Dàyàntǎ
About
Tang-dynasty Buddhist pagoda, built 652 CE to house the sutras brought back by Xuanzang. 64m, seven storeys, climbable.
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in 652 by the Tang Emperor Gaozong to house the Sanskrit Buddhist sutras that the monk Xuanzang had brought back from his 17-year pilgrimage to India (the historical figure behind 'Journey to the West'). Originally five storeys, rebuilt to nine, struck by earthquake and rebuilt to seven, the pagoda is 64m tall. Climbing it costs an additional small fee. The surrounding Daci'en Temple is still active; the plaza in front (with its evening fountain show) has become a major public-space landmark.
How to get there
Metro Lines 3 and 4 to Big Wild Goose Pagoda Station.
When to visit
Late afternoon, then stay for the evening fountain show.
Other attractions in Xi'an
Itineraries featuring this site
- Xi'an in 3 days
3d · Terracotta Army, City Wall, Muslim Quarter, the Wild Goose Pagodas.
- One week China classics — Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
7d · The first-time-traveller's loop: imperial Beijing, the Terracotta Army at Xi'an, Shanghai's skyline. Connected by overnight train or short HSR.
- Family-friendly two weeks
14d · Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu pandas, Shanghai Disneyland — designed around kids.
- Two weeks comprehensive — Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai
14d · The expanded loop: adds the panda capital and the Li River karst landscape to the classic three.
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