Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Tang-dynasty Buddhist pagoda with nightly musical fountain.
Visitor info
- Opening hours
- 08:00-17:00 pagoda
- Ticket
- 50 CNY (park free)
- Suggested visit
- 1-2 hours
Price is indicative — final quote on inquiry.
Why it's worth it
The 64-metre brick pagoda from 652 AD that stored the scriptures monk Xuanzang carried back from India on foot — the real Journey to the West. It still leans a few centimetres, still stands in the Da Ci'en Temple grounds, and now anchors the biggest square show in town.
Don't miss
- The pagoda at dusk with the fountain square's music-and-water show in front (free, timed shows)
- Xuanzang's statue on the south square, facing the modern skyline he'd never recognise
- The temple halls' Tang-dynasty stone reliefs, rubbings of which sell for real money
Getting there
Metro Line 3 or 4 to Dayanta station; the north square fountain is the classic approach.
Tips
- Fountain show times shift by season — early evening is safest; claim a railing spot 20 minutes ahead
- Two tickets: square is free, temple and pagoda climb are separate; the climb is narrow and low-ceilinged
- Evening light on the pagoda from the south side is the postcard shot
Photos
More in Xi'an
- Muslim Quarter
Lantern-lit food alleys behind the Drum Tower since the Tang dynasty.
- Terracotta Army
8,000 life-size clay warriors guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang since 210 BC.
- Xi'an City Wall
Ride a bicycle on the best-preserved Ming city wall in China.
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