The Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔) in Xi’an is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also a breathtaking symbol of ancient Chinese architecture. It offers stunning views and numerous photography opportunities throughout the day and night. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur capturing memories, the area surrounding the pagoda provides various scenic spots perfect for taking memorable photos. Here’s a guide to the best places to capture the essence of this iconic landmark.
Daytime Photography Locations
North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Located in front of the South Gate of Da Ci’en Temple (大慈恩寺), the open area offers a fantastic backdrop. Standing in front of the statue of Xuanzang (唐玄奘), you can capture beautiful shots that include both the statue and the pagoda.
Ruins Park of Da Ci’en Temple: Facing the South Gate of the temple, you will find the park where the pagoda stands to the right. The park’s center features a stone Buddha, which makes for a striking composition with the pagoda.
Dayuecheng (大悦城) Southeast Corner: On the first floor of Dayuecheng, the red wall across from the popular tea shop, Heytea (喜茶), is a classic photography spot.
Observation Deck at Dayuecheng: The elevator in Dayuecheng takes you directly to the fourth-floor observation platform, where you can capture stunning low-angle shots of the pagoda against a clean backdrop.
Q-version Xuanzang Installation: On the fourth floor of Dayuecheng, there’s a cute Xuanzang figure perfect for a fun photo op.
Prayer Bell Area: Located on the fourth floor of Dayuecheng, this area creates a fantastic atmosphere for photos, especially if you enjoy capturing moments filled with cultural significance.
Man Coffee on the Fourth Floor: Here, you can lean on the railing for a unique shot of the pagoda in the background. There’s also a large “Chang’an” sign (长安大字) for a great photo opportunity.
Nighttime Photography Locations
Red Wall at the South Gate of Da Ci’en Temple: This location comes alive at night with various stalls lighting up the red wall, casting intriguing silhouettes that create a captivating atmosphere for photography.
Yanta East Walking Street: This tree-lined path, which connects Da Ci’en Temple and the Ruins Park, is adorned with lanterns featuring poetry, creating a dreamy, starry effect perfect for nighttime photography.
North Square Music Fountain: The fountain offers a ten-minute laser show at 9:00 PM, illuminating the night sky. To capture the pagoda’s radiant beauty, head to the northernmost section of the square, where the lasers create a stunning display that makes the pagoda appear to shine.
Houcun Jiayuan Building 1: From this spot, you can capture the enchanting view of both Tang Dynasty Ever Bridge City (大唐不夜城) and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, especially when the lights come on at dusk. Just be mindful of the residents and keep noise to a minimum.