Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Da Yan Ta): The Ultimate Guide for Foreign Visitors

Rising seven stories above the southern suburbs of Xi'an, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the most recognizable silhouette in the city's skyline and one of the most important Buddhist landmarks in all of China. Built in 652 CE to house sacred scriptures and relics brought from India by the legendary monk Xuanzang, this austere, elegant tower has survived earthquakes, wars, and dynastic collapses for nearly 1,400 years. It stands as a monument to one man's extraordinary 17-year journey across the Silk Road and back — a journey that changed the course of Chinese Buddhism and inspired one of China's greatest novels, "Journey to the West."

Overview and Why Visit

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Da Yan Ta) stands within the grounds of Da Ci'en Temple in the southern part of Xi'an. The pagoda is 64.5 meters tall with seven stories (originally five, expanded to ten, then damaged and rebuilt at seven). It is a brick pagoda built in the distinctive Tang Dynasty style — square in plan, tapering gently upward with simple, elegant lines and minimal ornamentation. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 2014 as part of the "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor."

For foreign visitors, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda offers a tangible connection to the golden age of the Silk Road and to one of the most remarkable journeys in human history. The monk Xuanzang (602–664 CE) traveled overland from Chang'an through Central Asia to India, spent years studying Buddhist philosophy at the great monastery of Nalanda, and returned carrying 657 Buddhist texts. He spent the rest of his life translating these texts here, at this temple, creating the foundation for Chinese Buddhist scholarship. His adventure inspired the 16th-century novel "Journey to the West" (Xiyouji), featuring the Monkey King — one of the most beloved characters in Chinese literature.

The pagoda and its surrounding area have also been developed into one of Xi'an's most pleasant public spaces, with the North Square hosting Asia's largest musical fountain show — a spectacular display of water, light, and music that draws thousands of spectators nightly.

A Brief History

The story of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda begins with Xuanzang's departure from Chang'an in 629 CE. At the time, the emperor had forbidden foreign travel, so Xuanzang left secretly, crossing the Gobi Desert, the Tian Shan mountains, and the kingdoms of Central Asia before reaching the great Buddhist centers of India. He studied at Nalanda University — then the world's premier center of learning — for five years, debated with scholars from across the subcontinent, and achieved fame as a Buddhist philosopher in his own right.

When Xuanzang returned to Chang'an in 645 CE, he was greeted as a hero. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, one of China's greatest rulers, personally received him and commissioned the construction of a pagoda to house the scriptures, relics, and Buddhist statues Xuanzang had brought back. The original pagoda, completed in 652 CE, was a five-story brick structure built within Da Ci'en Temple, which had itself been established in 648 CE by Crown Prince Li Zhi (later Emperor Gaozong) in memory of his mother, Empress Wende.

The pagoda was expanded to ten stories during Empress Wu Zetian's reign but was severely damaged by warfare at the end of the Tang Dynasty. It was rebuilt at its current seven stories during the Ming Dynasty (1604). Despite several major earthquakes — including one in 1556 that killed an estimated 830,000 people in Shaanxi Province (the deadliest earthquake in recorded history) — the pagoda survived, though it developed a noticeable lean that was corrected through modern engineering work completed in the early 2000s.

The name "Wild Goose Pagoda" has uncertain origins. The most widely cited legend says that at a Buddhist monastery in India, monks who had been struggling with famine saw a flock of wild geese flying overhead. One goose broke formation, fell to the ground, and died before them — the monks interpreted this as a sacrifice by the Bodhisattva and built a pagoda to honor the goose. Xuanzang supposedly named his pagoda in reference to this story.

What to See: Top Highlights

Da Ci'en Temple Grounds

Before reaching the pagoda itself, you pass through the temple complex, which covers 33,000 square meters. The temple has been rebuilt and restored multiple times over the centuries; the current buildings date primarily to the Ming and Qing dynasties with modern restorations. Key halls include the Great Hall of the Buddha (housing three large gilded Buddha statues), the Hall of Xuanzang (with a bronze statue of the monk and murals depicting his journey), and several smaller halls with Buddhist sculptures and artifacts. The temple grounds are peaceful, with ancient trees, incense smoke, and the sound of bells creating a contemplative atmosphere amid the noise of modern Xi'an.

The Pagoda Interior

You can climb the pagoda's interior staircase (narrow and steep) to the seventh floor. Each level has small arched windows offering increasingly expansive views of Xi'an. The interior contains Buddhist scriptures, calligraphy, and photographs documenting the pagoda's history and Xuanzang's journey. The staircase is original stone and brick — running your hand along the walls, you are touching bricks laid in the 7th century. The view from the top floor extends across the city to the Qinling Mountains to the south on clear days. The climb is moderately strenuous but manageable for anyone in reasonable health.

Stone Tablets at the Base

On either side of the pagoda's southern entrance, two stone tablets bear inscriptions by Emperor Taizong and Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, praising Xuanzang's achievements. These are among the most important surviving examples of Tang Dynasty imperial calligraphy. Rubbings of these tablets are available for purchase in the temple's gift shop — they make meaningful souvenirs for anyone interested in Chinese calligraphy or Buddhist history.

The Xuanzang Sanzo Monastery

Immediately south of Da Ci'en Temple, this modern monastery contains a hall dedicated to Xuanzang with detailed exhibits about his journey, including maps of his route, reproductions of the texts he translated, and a jade Buddha statue from India. It is free to enter and provides excellent context for understanding Xuanzang's significance. Most tourists skip it, which means you can explore in relative peace.

North Square and Musical Fountain

The vast plaza north of the pagoda has been developed into a grand public space with gardens, sculptures depicting scenes from Tang Dynasty life, and the highlight — a massive musical fountain that performs synchronized shows set to music. The fountain show runs at set times (typically 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM in peak season, with fewer shows in winter — check locally for current schedules). The evening show is the most spectacular, with colored lights transforming the water display. Arrive 20–30 minutes early for the evening show to secure a good viewing spot. The square also has numerous cafes and restaurants along its edges.

South Square — Xuanzang Statue

The southern approach to the temple features a large bronze statue of Xuanzang carrying his scripture backpack, striding determinedly forward. This is one of the most popular photo spots in Xi'an and perfectly captures the spirit of his epic journey. The square is quieter than the north side and offers a less obstructed view of the pagoda.

Practical Information for Foreign Tourists

Tickets and Booking

Da Ci'en Temple admission: CNY 40 (approximately USD 5.50)
Pagoda climb (additional): CNY 30 (approximately USD 4)
North Square and fountain show: Free
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. Passport is required for online booking.

Opening Hours

Da Ci'en Temple: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (peak season) / 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (off-season)
Pagoda climb: Same as temple hours
Musical fountain shows: Schedules vary by season. Evening shows typically at 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM in summer, earlier in winter. Check the current schedule at your hotel or at the tourist information desk near the square.
Open daily.

How to Get There

By Metro: Take Line 3 or Line 4 to Dayanta (Big Wild Goose Pagoda) station. The temple entrance is about an 8-minute walk from the station exit.

By bus: Many bus routes stop at Dayanta, including routes 5, 19, 21, 24, and 610. Bus 610 connects the pagoda to the Bell Tower area.

By taxi: Show the driver: 大雁塔 (Da Yan Ta) or 大慈恩寺 (Da Ci'en Si). From the Bell Tower area, the ride takes 15–20 minutes and costs CNY 15–25.

Payment

Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted at the ticket office and most nearby restaurants and shops. Cash also accepted. The cafes and restaurants around the North Square generally accept mobile payments.

Insider Tips

• Visit the temple in the morning, the fountain at night. The best strategy is to explore Da Ci'en Temple and climb the pagoda in the morning when crowds are lighter and the light is good for photography, then return in the evening for the fountain show. The two experiences are quite different and complementary.
• Climb the pagoda early in the day. The narrow staircase creates bottlenecks when the pagoda is crowded. Arriving when the temple opens means you may have the upper floors to yourself — a rare and peaceful experience.
• The lean is visible. Before modern stabilization work, the pagoda leaned noticeably to the west. While the lean has been largely corrected, sharp-eyed visitors can still detect a slight asymmetry. Stand at the northwest corner of the base for the best view of the remaining lean.
• Read "Journey to the West" before your visit. Even a summary of this classic novel (available in many English translations and abridged versions) will deepen your appreciation of Xuanzang's legacy. The novel's hero, the Tang Monk, is based on Xuanzang, while his companions — the Monkey King, Pigsy, and Sandy — represent Buddhist allegorical figures. Understanding this context transforms the pagoda from "old tower" to "the ending point of one of the world's great adventure stories."
• The Shaanxi History Museum is nearby. Located just a 15-minute walk west of the pagoda, the museum is one of China's finest. Combine both into a full-day itinerary: museum in the morning, pagoda and temple after lunch, fountain show in the evening.
• The Tang Paradise theme park is adjacent. If you have extra time, this large park recreates Tang Dynasty architecture and culture with gardens, performances, and evening light shows. It is a commercial attraction but well-executed and popular with Chinese families.
• Avoid national holidays. The fountain show during Golden Week draws staggering crowds — tens of thousands of people pack the square. The experience is chaotic rather than enjoyable during these periods.
• The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is also worth visiting. Located about 3 kilometers northwest, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Xiao Yan Ta) is a more intimate, less crowded alternative with beautiful grounds. It was built in 707 CE and survived having its top two stories shaken off by an earthquake. Free admission (passport required).

Food and Drink Nearby

• North Square restaurants: The streets surrounding the North Square have dozens of restaurants ranging from fast food to upscale dining. Many have English menus. The area is particularly pleasant for outdoor dining on warm evenings.
• Dayanta Commercial Street: Running east from the North Square, this pedestrian street has a mix of local restaurants and chain establishments. Good options for Shaanxi-style noodles and rice dishes at CNY 25–50 per person.
• Vegetarian restaurants near the temple: Several vegetarian restaurants cater to Buddhist visitors near the temple's south entrance. These serve inventive plant-based dishes that mimic meat dishes using tofu, mushrooms, and wheat gluten. An interesting culinary experience at CNY 30–60 per person.
• The Muslim Quarter: A 20-minute taxi ride or 30-minute metro ride north, and covered in our separate guide. If you are spending the morning at the pagoda and want a food adventure for dinner, head to the Muslim Quarter in the evening.
• Local snack street (Yanliang Lu area): Ask locals for nearby xiaochi jie (snack streets) for authentic, inexpensive Shaanxi food away from tourist pricing.

Best Photography Spots

• The pagoda framed by temple rooftops: From inside the temple courtyard, use the curved eaves of the temple halls to frame the pagoda rising behind them. This layered composition creates depth and shows the relationship between temple and tower.
• Xuanzang statue with pagoda behind: From the South Square, position yourself so the bronze Xuanzang statue is in the foreground with the pagoda rising directly behind him. This is the defining image of the site and tells the full story in one frame.
• View from the seventh floor: The pagoda windows on each floor frame different aspects of the Xi'an cityscape. The seventh floor offers the widest panorama. In clear weather, the Qinling Mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the south.
• The fountain show at night: Fast shutter speeds freeze the water droplets; slow exposures create silky water streams. The colored lights reflecting off the water with the illuminated pagoda in the background make for spectacular images. A small tripod is ideal for the long-exposure shots.
• Morning light on the eastern face: The eastern side of the pagoda catches the morning sun beautifully, with warm light on the ancient bricks. Photograph from the eastern side of the temple courtyard between 8:00 and 10:00 AM.
• Details and textures: The brick patterns, stone carvings, tablet inscriptions, and weathered surfaces of the pagoda tell the story of 1,400 years of exposure. Close-up and macro shots of these details create images that most tourists never think to capture.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is more than an architectural landmark — it is the physical embodiment of one of history's great intellectual adventures. Xuanzang walked thousands of kilometers, risked his life crossing deserts and mountains, and spent decades translating the texts he carried home. The pagoda he built to house those scriptures still stands, a quiet testament to the power of devotion and scholarship. Stand at its base, look up at those seven ancient stories, and consider what it meant to bring ideas across the world when the journey took seventeen years on foot.