Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A Famous Landmark of Xian along the Silk Road

Written by Clementine | Updated October 20,2025

Big Wild Goose Pagoda, aka Giant Wild Goose Pagoda or Great Wild Goose Pagoda, is situated in Da Ci’en Temple in the southern suburbs of Xi’an, China. It is one of the landmarks in Xi’an as well as the oldest and largest square brick tower in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Xuanzang, an eminent monk of the Tang Dynasty, once translated the Buddhist scriptures that he brought back to China from India here. With a history of over 1,350 years, the pagoda is surrounded by serene gardens, lively squares, grand statues, and historical quarters, inviting visitors to step back in time.

Follow our complete guide about the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you will learn all essential information about this historical landmark in Xian, including its top highlights, history, origins of its name, a comparison with the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and practical tips to capture great photos of this ancient marvel.

Content Preview

• Quick Facts about Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
• What to See in and around the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
• History of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
• How Did the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Get Its Name?
• Recommended Spots to Capture Great Photos of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
• Big Wild Goose vs. Small Wild Goose: Difference Between Xi’an’s Iconic Pagodas
• How to get to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda?
• Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Visiting Tips
• Nearby Attractions
• FAQs about Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Plan Your Trip to Xian with China Xian Tour

Quick Facts about Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

• Type: Historical site, Buddhist site, world cultural heritage
• Period: Tang Dynasty
• Opening Hours: Peak Season: 08:00-17:30; Low Season: 08:00-17:00
• Tickets: RMB 50 for enter Da Ci’en Temple; extra RMB 30 for entering the pagoda
• Time Needed: 2-3 hours
• Best Seasons: All seasons
• Highlights: the ancient pagoda, music fountains
• Recommended for: culture lovers, Buddhists
• Height: about 64 meters tall, with 7 stories
• Location: Yanta Road, Da Ci’en Temple, Yanta District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province

What to See in and around the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

You should not miss the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda if you are planning a trip to Xian. As one of the most iconic landmarks in Xian, it is not only a sight to witness rich culture and history of China, but also a masterpiece of Chinese architecture with its layers of bricks constructed without using any cement, and has survived several earthquakes and wars. The pagoda is surrounded by the Daci’en Temple which houses many historic architecture and hosts various culture activities and events. Below are the top sights and activities you can expect while visiting the pagoda.

Da Ci’en Temple

Da Ci’en Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Xi’an. It was the imperial temple in Tang Dynasty. Getting into the temple, there are bell tower and the drum tower facing each other in the yard. A cluster of tomb towers lie on the southeast side of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and the pagoda is the best-known and most attractive in the temple. The main hall is the central building of the temple where the statues of Three-Bodies of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas and Arhats are enshrined. The scale of Da Ci’en Temple we see today was inherited from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and most buildings inside the temple were constructed in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Climb the Pagoda for Panoramic View of the City

In addition to the CNY 50 entry fee for Da Ci’en Temple, visitors can pay CNY 30 to ascend the pagoda. Standing at 64 meters tall, this seven-storey pagoda is the highest point is this area, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the surrounding squares. The opening hours of the pagoda are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

What to See inside the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Valuable Sarira (3rd storey)

In the third storey of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the precious Buddha Sarira and the model of the pagoda are placed on a wooden seat. The Sarira was a gift that an Indian Buddhist abbot send to Xuanzang. It is a rare Buddhist treasure that Xuanzang brought back from India and was preserved in the pagoda since it was completed.

Palm-Leaf Scriptures (4th storey)

There are two pieces of palm-leaf scriptures have been preserved on the fourth storey of Dayan Pagoda. Each piece is about 40 centimeters (15.8 inches) long and 7 centimeters (2.8 inches) wide. They have been enshrined with dense Sanskrit scripts on. It is said that there are no more than 10 scholars know the Sanskrit in the world, thus they are precious and mysterious.

Footprints of Sakyamuni Buddha (5th floor)

When you climb up to the fifth floor of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you would see the footprints of Sakyamuni Buddha on display. The footprints were carved at the requirement of master Xuanzang in his later years, with many Buddhist patterns. Although the original ones were damaged, and the existing ones are the copies, a number of Buddhists come to worship them. There is a saying that, seeing the footprints is like seeing the Buddha, and worshiping the footprints is like worshiping the Buddha.

Large Music Fountain on the North Square

On the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the scenic waterway is in the center. It is the largest fountain square in China and even in Asia. 8 large fountain pools with the size of basketball court lie here, having a higher place from north to south gradually. The fountain in each pool is different, and they can also make up a large fountain matrix together. The music fountain show time is at 12:00, 16:00, 19:00 and 21:00 respectively each day, with each show lasts about 15 minutes.

History of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Why was the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Built?

Undergoing untold hardships, Master Xuanzang traveled to India along the Silk Road in the early Tang Dynasty. Finally, he arrived in ancient India – the birthplace of Buddhism, passing 138 countries and states on the long journey. 19 years after he left home, he returned to Chang’an (Xi’an today) with a mass of Buddhist scriptures. He took another 19 years to translate the Buddhist scriptures, including 1,335 volumes and 13 million words in total.

In 652 AD, Xuanzang proposed to build a five-story brick tower in the Da Ci’en Temple, to store the palm-leaf Sanskrit scriptures, Sarira, Buddha statues, and so on he brought back. Emperor Gaozong approved the project, and thus, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was built, initially standing at five stories.

The Restoration and Expandation of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

A few years after its construction, during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, the pagoda was significantly expanded to ten stories, and underwent necessary repairs. After the Tang Dynasty perished, the pagoda underwent various wars, until it settled into current seven-story form.

During its thousands of years of history, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda has truly withstood the test of time, enduring centuries of conflict and numerous earthquakes. After the devastating 8.3-magnitude Guanzhong earthquake in the Ming Dynasty, a protective layer of bricks being applied to its exterior. Then, during the of China period, the surrounding retaining wall was added to further safeguard it.

How Did the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Get Its Name?

Why did this revered pagoda come to be known as the “Giant Wild Goose Pagoda” (Dayan Ta)? There are four fascinating theories behind its name:

1. Because of the Influence of Indian Buddhism

One legend suggests that the term “Wild Goose Pagoda” originated from Indian Buddhist terminology, meaning a five-story pagoda. In India, stupas usually has a goose-shaped base layer, symbolizing spiritual reverence. Xuanzang was deeply influenced by Indian Buddhism, he thus modeled the pagoda after these structures, and named it “Wild Goose Pagoda” to honor this tradition.

2. Gratitude for a Wild Goose’s Lifesaving

It is said that Xuanzang was once saved by a wild goose while traversing the desert. When he got lost in the Taklamakan Desert, a wild goose appeared, and led him to an oasis. Thus, he named the pagoda “Wild Goose Pagoda” to gratitude for the Wild Goose’s lifesaving.

3. Incarnation of the Buddha

Legend has it that the Buddha once transformed into a bird (often a pigeon) to save humans. In the Tang Dynasty, people used geese to symbolize birds generically. And the name “Wild Goose Pagoda” came to be to honor the Buddha’s compassion.

4. Revelation from Hinayana Buddhism

The most popular legend is from a monastery following Hinayana (Small Vehicle) Buddhism, whose monks ate meat. On a day of bodhisattva almsgiving, a monk at the monastery was troubled by his inability to obtain meat. When he lamented to the sky, a flock of wild geese flew overhead. Instantly, the lead goose of a flying flock fell dead. The monks were shocked, and interpreted this as a rebuke from the Bodhisattva. They consequently stopped eating meat and built a stone pagoda at the site where the goose fell to express their gratitude. From then on, Buddhist pagodas came to be known as “Wild Goose Pagoda”.

Recommended Spots to Capture Great Photos of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

• Giant Wild Goose Pagoda South Square: Photo the Xuanzang Statue with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
• Tang Daci’en Temple Heritage Park: The park is free to enter. Here you can capture the monumental Buddha statue alongside the pagoda.
• Joy City (Da Yue Cheng) Rooftop Observation Deck (4th Floor): The deck offers a panoramic views fo the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda against the city skyline.

Big Wild Goose vs. Small Wild Goose: Difference Between Xi’an’s Iconic Pagodas

Both the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda are historical landmarks in Xian. They are both constructed in the Tang Dyansty. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was constructed earlier and is slightly taller than the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. The two pagodas differ significantly in their architectural style.

How to get to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda?

Take Xi’an metro Line 3 or Line 4 to Dayanta Station, and get out the station from Exit B or Exit C. Walk south for a few minutes to reach the south square with the standing statue of Master Xuanzang, where is just the entrance of Da Ci’en Temple and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Take the city bus 21, 22, 23, 24, 41, 44, 189, 242, 271, 408, 500, 601, 606, 609, 920, Tourist Bus Line 6, or Tourist Bus Line 8/610 to get off at the stop of South Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Visiting Tips

• The specific date of the peak and low seasons would change. However, the peak season is from mid-March to mid-November generally, while the mid-November to mid-March next year is the low season.
• The ticket price is RMB 50 per person, with which you can enter the Da Ci’en Temple and look the Big Wild Goose Pagoda from outside. If you want to get into the pagoda to see the treasures and have a bird’s eye view on the top, you need to pay another RMB 30.
• In the surroundings of Da Ci’en Temple, there are squares and gardens for tourists to rest and relax. On the South Square in front of the temple entrance, the standing statue of Master Xuanzang is the most eye-catching. On the west side, the long flag-paved boulevard houses a series of vivid sculptures to show the customs and folk arts of Shaanxi. On the east side, the sculptures show the local Qin Opera. The most fascinating is the music fountain on the vast North Square.
• The time of the music fountain show may be subject to change. If you go to watch it in the evening or at night, please arrive there in advance. Otherwise, you may watch from a distance only because can squeeze into the crowd.

Nearby Attractions

• Great Tang All Day Mall: On the south side of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Great Tang All Day Mall is a distinctive cultural pedestrian zone. At night, there are street performances to show the Tang culture as well as many interesting things to have fun.
• Tang Paradise: On the southeast side of Dayan Pagoda, it is first large-scale cultural theme park in the style of Tang imperial garden, with many antique buildings and performances.
• Shaanxi History Museum: It’s on the northwest side of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, with millions of relics like bronzes, gold wares, murals, etc. on display to show the history of Shaanxi Province.

FAQs about Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Are there elevators or only stairs to climb the pagoda?

There are no elevators for public use inside the pagoda, so that if you want to reach the top, you can only climbing by yourself. However, since there’s only a narrow spiral staircase available, you’d better prepare a pair of comfortable shoes.

Is the surrounding temple and square wheelchair accessible?

The temple grounds, the South and North Squares around the pagoda, and many of the courtyards are flat and reasonably accessible for wheelchair.

How long should I plan to spend at Big Wild Goose Pagoda?

It will take about 2-3 hours for you to see some of the main highlights. And if you want to experience more of the pagoda’s charm in a rather relaxed pace, then half a day would be better.

What to do at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda?

You can enter Da Ci’en Temple to admire architectural halls and scripture displays. Inside the pagoda, there are individual floors for relics like Buddha’s Sarira and ancient Scriptures, and spending time here is also a great idea. The North Square’s large music fountain is a must-see, especially during the showtimes.

Why is the pagoda considered a significant landmark of the Silk Road?

The temple was originally Built in 652 AD to house the Buddhist texts that Xuan Zang brought back from India. And since then, it served as a translation and teaching center for Buddhism. When its role in transmitting religious, artistic, and literary culture between India and China then makes it a symbol of cultural exchange along the Silk Road.

Plan Your Trip to Xian with China Xian Tour

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda has long been an important must-see site in Xi’an and it perfectly shows cultural and historical charm of the city. And traveling with China Xian Tour allows you to explore the most of this land. With over 10 years of experience in creating customized trips, we know how to make your journey smooth and satisfactory. Our guides will be there for you around the clock to make sure every moment you spend in Xi’an or other cities is rewarding. Contact us now, and prepare the an unforgettable journey through the treasured places across China.