Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

What it is

The pagoda was commissioned by Emperor Gaozong in 652 AD, originally with five storeys, to safeguard the Buddhist sutras and statues that Xuanzang had retrieved after his epic 17-year pilgrimage to India. Xuanzang, whose journey inspired the novel *Journey to the West*, supervised the translation of these texts here, making the site a fountainhead of Chinese Buddhism. Over the centuries the structure was damaged by earthquakes and rebuilt, reaching its present seven-storey, 64.5-metre height during the Ming dynasty. Its distinctive square, brick-and-wood design is a masterpiece of Tang architecture, and it was inscribed as part of the Silk Roads UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

Today the pagoda anchors the sprawling Da Ci'en Temple complex, a working monastery where you can watch monks chant and locals burn incense. The grounds also include the Xuanzang Memorial Hall and a tranquil garden with ancient trees. For a deeper dive into Tang history, pair your visit with the nearby Shaanxi History Museum or the Great Mosque. Our guides can arrange a private car to whisk you between these sites, and they'll help you navigate the ticket options, including the separate fee to climb the pagoda itself.

Highlights

• Climb the seven storeys — Ascend the narrow wooden staircase for panoramic views over Xi'an's rooftops and the distant Qinling Mountains on clear days.
• Xuanzang's legacy — See the monk's statue and the original Tang-era stone carvings, including the famous Nestorian Stele, a testament to early cultural exchange.
• Da Ci'en Temple — Wander through the active monastery's halls, where incense smoke curls around gilded Buddhas and the hum of chanting fills the air.
• Evening fountain show — Return after dark for the North Square's musical fountain, one of Asia's largest, with the illuminated pagoda as a dramatic backdrop.
• Silk Road connection — Learn how this site served as a repository for the treasures of the Silk Road, linking Chang'an to the wider Buddhist world.

How to get there

The pagoda is in the south of Xi'an, easily reached by Metro Line 3 or 4 to Dayanta Station (Exit C), a 5-minute walk from the South Square. A taxi from the Bell Tower area takes about 20 minutes and costs around ¥20–30. We often combine it with a morning at the Shaanxi History Museum, followed by lunch in the nearby Qujiang New District, then an afternoon here—our private driver can handle all transfers seamlessly.

Tickets & practical info

Admission to the Da Ci'en Temple complex is ¥50 (peak season) or ¥40 (off-peak); climbing the pagoda costs an additional ¥30. Opening hours are 8:00–17:30 (later in summer). Book via the official WeChat account or Trip.com; foreign credit cards are accepted on Trip.com, but for on-site purchases, WeChat Pay or Alipay linked to an international card is the norm. Our guide can pre-book tickets to avoid sold-out time slots.

Best time to visit

Visit in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) for mild weather and clear skies ideal for photography. Early morning (8:00–9:30) is quietest, with soft light on the pagoda's brick facade. Avoid weekends and Chinese public holidays, when crowds swell. Late afternoon offers golden-hour shots, and the evening fountain show (usually 20:30 in summer) is a spectacular finale.

Tips from our guides

• Arrive before 9 AM to beat tour groups; the pagoda's narrow stairway gets congested by mid-morning.
• For the best photo of the pagoda, head to the South Square's reflection pool or the North Square's fountain area at dusk.
• Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered—as this is an active religious site; avoid loud clothing or behaviour inside halls.
• Combine your ticket with the nearby Shaanxi History Museum (free but requires advance reservation) for a full Tang dynasty day.
• Bring cash or set up Alipay/WeChat Pay in advance; small vendors and donation boxes may not accept foreign cards.

FAQ