Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is located in the Cien Temple which is 4 kilometers from downtown Xian, is one of Xian's main landmarks. It was built in 652 A.D. designed and supervised by the temple's first abbot Xuan Zang for keeping the Buddhist Sutras and Buddha's Relics he had brought back with him from his travels in India. Located inside the temple are two rare stele inscribed by two emperors of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The steles as can still be seen today where they were placed over 1,200 years ago.
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is stunning at night
A Golden Buddha located in the temple complex
The temple complex in which the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is located is filled with beautiful gardens and stunning architecture. Although destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, the current buildings were built in the style of the Tang Dynasty, the period in which the pagoda was built. The temple complex was constructed along an axis, with matching buildings on either side. The beautiful architecture is constructed of grey brick with glazed roofs. The many gardens hidden amongst the temple's many courtyards are very lovely and a wonderful place for visitors to take a break and soak in the beauty that surrounds them. The temple complex is filled with ancient artifacts. The Forest of Stupas located hidden on one side of the temple complex is where prominent monks are buried. The stupas, or gravestones, are exquisite and have been placed in the temple grounds over the centuries.
The ancient Forest of Steles located in The Big Wild Goose Pagoda temple complex
One of the many pavilions located in the gardens surrounding the pagoda
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is over 64 meters high and has 7 stories. It was constructed of bricks and each brick was individually ground into shape before being laid to ensure a perfect fit. Each storey of the pagoda is smaller than the previous and each floor is marked by several rows of prism shaped bricks. Each floor has four arched doors and the first floor's lintels and doorframes are covered with beautiful carvings. The carvings are priceless works of ancient art. Visitors climbing the interior staircases are rewarded with spectacular bird's eye views of the surrounding area.
A view of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda behind some ancient temple buildings
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda still looks majestic and solid after over a thousand years
The temple's grounds, gardens, architecture and the Big Goose Pagoda are beautiful. The many elements that make up the temple complex complement each other and make for a fantastic site for visitors. Strolling through the many gardens or looking up at the pagoda are unforgettable experiences. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is one of the symbols of Xian and is a must-see for visitors to this ancient city.
Featured Xi'an Tour Packages
As one of the oldest cities in Chinese history, Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China because it has been the capital of some of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. Now it is an extremly important tourist city in China. China Odyssey Tours will show you the real Xi'an.
COT-XAT-N03: 3 Days Impression Xian Tour
5 Days Xian History and Temple Tour
6 days China Ancient Capital Discovery Tour (Route A)
More Sites in Xian:
Xian Ancient City Wall Small Wild Goose Pagoda Xian Drum and Bell Towers Xian Terracotta Warriors
Tips:
Dubbed the "largest musical fountain square in Asia", this beautiful symphony of water, music and light is set against a dramatic backdrop of the thousand year old Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Probably the best free attraction in Xian. The music and the fountain seem to take the audience back to the glorious Tang Dynasty.
There are many restaurants on the northern square of the pagoda, also a KFC, a pizza restaurant and some places for local snacks. More are available on the northern side of the road.
The Shaanxi History Museum is only one stop away west of the Northern Square, within 10 minutes' walking distance.
