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Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

A Buddhist pagoda built in 652 AD, one of the most iconic landmarks of Xi'an

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Guide

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Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Overview

A comprehensive guide to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty architecture.

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔) is a Buddhist pagoda built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty to store sutras and figurines of the Buddha brought back from India by the renowned monk Xuanzang. Standing 64.5 meters tall with seven stories, it is one of the most iconic landmarks of Xi'an and a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty brick architecture.

Located within the Da Ci'en Temple complex, the pagoda was originally built with five stories, later expanded to ten stories, and then reduced to seven stories after earthquake damage. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of Xi'an. The surrounding temple complex features beautiful gardens, museums, and the famous Xuanzang Sanzang Memorial Hall dedicated to the monk's epic journey.

64.5m

Height

652 AD

Year Built

Stories

Yanta District

8:30 - 18:00

CNY 30

Spring and Autumn

Best Photo Spots

① South Plaza — Xuanzang Statue Axis: The classic frontal shot. Stand south of the statue facing north; position yourself slightly left or right of the centerline (not dead-center) so the Xuanzang statue, pagoda, and person create a layered foreground–background composition.
② North Plaza — Fountain Axis: Capture the fountain, water surface, plaza, and pagoda in one frame. Shoot southward from the north plaza; position the person in the bottom third of the frame — not too close to the camera.
③ Joy City Observation Platform: The spot for an "imposing pagoda" close-up. Stand at the side of the platform (not stiffly facing the camera); step back and use 2× or 3× zoom to create strong layering between the person and the pagoda tower.

💡 Good to know: The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Da Ci'en Temple are the same scenic area — one ticket covers both. The pagoda stands inside the temple grounds; an additional ticket is required only to climb the pagoda.

About Da Ci'en Temple (大慈恩寺)

Founded in 648 AD by Crown Prince Li Zhi to honor his mother, this was once the largest royal monastery in Chang'an. The famed monk Xuanzang served as its first abbot, translating Buddhist scriptures here for 11 years.

Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿): The main hall of the temple, enshrining grand Buddha statues and featuring exquisite Tang-style architecture and murals.
Bell and Drum Pavilions (钟鼓楼): The ancient bell and drum towers flanking the temple courtyard — the morning bell and evening drum once marked the rhythm of monastic life in Tang Dynasty Chang'an.
Xuanzang Sanzang Memorial Hall (玄奘三藏院): A tranquil complex dedicated to the life and legacy of Xuanzang, featuring statues, relics, and exhibits recounting his epic 17-year pilgrimage to India.