The Big Wild Goose Pagoda Cultural and Leisure Scenic Area is situated at the foot of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, within the iconic Da Ci’en Temple in Xi’an. Centered around the ancient pagoda that has stood for over a thousand years, this scenic area features the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda as its main attraction. With its unique Tang Dynasty cultural heritage and rich Buddhist atmosphere, it has become a paradise for tourists, a home for citizens, a window into the city, and a cultural landmark. It is often referred to as Xi’an’s “City Living Room.”
Travel Information about Big Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area
Tickets and Opening Hours
Tickets: Entry to Da Ci’en Temple is 50 RMB, with an additional 30 RMB fee to climb the pagoda.
Opening Hours: Peak season: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Off-season: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Ci’en West Road, Yanta District, Xi’an.
Subway: Take Subway Line 3 or Line 4 and get off at Dayan Pagoda Station.
Scenic Area Ratings
Culture ★★★★★
Unique Features ★★★★★
Leisure ★★★★★
Beauty ★★★★
Romance ★★★
Excitement ★
Highlights of Big Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is located within the Da Ci’en Temple. During the time when the eminent monk Xuanzang was translating scriptures at Ci’en Temple, he built a brick pagoda in the style of India’s Wild Goose Pagodas in the western courtyard of the temple to store the Buddhist scriptures and statues he brought back from India. This construction took place in the third year of the Yonghui era of the Tang Dynasty (652 AD), and this pagoda is what we now know as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
The pagoda is a pavilion-style brick structure consisting of seven stories. It has a square pyramid shape, with spaces formed by imitation wooden structures that decrease proportionally from bottom to top. Each level houses sacred relics (śarīra). The walls of each tier are adorned with brick-built flat columns and architraves, and at the center of each of the four sides, there is a large arched door constructed with bricks.
Inside the pagoda, a staircase allows visitors to spiral up to the top, where they can lean against the railings and gaze into the distance, offering a bird’s-eye view of the ancient city of Xi’an. During the Ming Dynasty, an additional thick layer of bricks was added to the exterior of the pagoda. These polished bricks were meticulously joined, making the structure exceptionally sturdy.
Related Details:
- Upon entering through the south gate, you’ll find that the walls on both sides are embedded with numerous stele inscriptions from the Ming Dynasty. Notable among them are the “Stele of Xuanzang Carrying Scriptures” and the “Stele of Xuanzang Translating Scriptures,” which are worth a close look.
- On the first floor of the pagoda, there is an exhibition showcasing knowledge about ancient pagodas and photographs of famous Chinese pagodas, illustrating the origin, development, structure, and classification of Buddhist pagodas.
- On the second floor, a bronze-gilded statue of Buddha Shakyamuni is enshrined. Visitors often crowd this area to offer their respects and pay homage. The walls on both sides of this room feature two murals of Bodhisattvas Manjusri and Samantabhadra, as well as several pieces of modern calligraphy by renowned figures, mostly inspired by Tang Dynasty poets who climbed the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and wrote poems.
- The third floor houses a wooden seat that holds precious Buddhist relics (śarīra) and a model of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
- On the fourth floor, two palm-leaf manuscripts are enshrined. Each is about 40 centimeters long and 7 centimeters wide, inscribed with dense Sanskrit text.
- The fifth floor displays a stele of the footprints of Shakyamuni Buddha, along with several lesser-known poems by Xuanzang.
- On the sixth floor, there are masterpieces of poetry by five Tang Dynasty poets: Du Fu, Cen Shen, Gao Shi, Xue Ju, and Chu Guangxi.
- The seventh floor, at the top of the pagoda, features a sacred lotus caisson ceiling, with a large lotus flower at the center. The petals of the flower are inscribed with 14 characters that form a poem when read in sequence, with multiple possible readings. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city of Xi’an, with its sights extending in all directions.
Da Ci’en Temple
Da Ci’en Temple is a world-renowned Buddhist temple, one of the four major scripture translation centers in Chang’an during the Tang Dynasty, and the ancestral temple of the Dharma Characteristics (Yogachara) School of Chinese Buddhism. The temple was built during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, commissioned by Crown Prince Li Zhi to honor his late mother, Empress Wende. The temple’s first abbot was the famous monk Xuanzang, who had returned from his journey to India to obtain Buddhist scriptures. During his tenure, Master Xuanzang oversaw the construction of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Inside the temple’s main gate, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower stand opposite each other. The main buildings along the central axis are the Mahavira Hall, the Dharma Hall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Xuanzang’s Tripitaka Courtyard. The bell and drum serve as signals for the temple’s activities, and there is a saying that goes, “morning bell and evening drum.” In the eastern Bell Tower, a large iron bell from the Ming Dynasty is suspended, weighing 30,000 jin (about 15 tons) and standing over three meters tall. It was cast in the 27th year of the Jiajing reign (1548 AD).
In the Tang Dynasty, scholars who passed the imperial examination would inscribe their names at the base of the pagoda in what became known as the “Wild Goose Pagoda Name Inscription,” a tradition that continued through the ages.
Related Details:
Peonies are a famous ornamental flower in the temples of Chang’an, and the peonies at Da Ci’en Temple are truly exceptional. What sets them apart is the wide variety of rare and precious species. Their rarity adds to their value, and every year during the blooming season, countless visitors flock to Da Ci’en Temple to admire these magnificent flowers. As early as the Tang Dynasty, the temple’s peonies were celebrated in poetry, with verses such as “In Chang’an, young men cherish the fading spring, competing to recognize the purple peonies of Ci’en” and “Without wine to drink in spring, one lingers longer to view the flowers in the temple.”
Yanta South Garden (Tang Da Ci’en Temple Ruins Park)
Yanta South Garden, formerly known as Qujiang Spring Dawn Park, is renowned for being built on the site of the Tang Dynasty’s Da Ci’en Temple. This park is a relatively independent and distinctly themed open garden within the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Cultural and Leisure Scenic Area, located adjacent to Da Ci’en Temple. The garden features many exquisite and elegant statues and sculptures. The construction of the temple by Emperor Gaozong is depicted through round sculptures, capturing the scene of the emperor overseeing the temple’s construction. Other historical moments, such as Xuanzang’s construction of the pagoda and Jianzhen’s journey to Japan, are also artistically represented through sculptures, bringing these classic stories to life.
The entire park exudes an exquisite and elegant atmosphere, infused with a profound and distant cultural aura. Its serene, transcendent, and ethereal qualities naturally embody the spirit of seclusion and the lofty character associated with hermit-like existence. The presence of the large Buddha statue within the garden further enhances the religious ambiance of the Buddhist landscape. As a theme garden centered around Buddhist culture, the park subtly conveys a “Zen enlightenment” experience, offering visitors an immersive encounter with Chinese religious traditions.
Yanta East Garden (Shaanxi Opera Grand View Garden)
Yanta East Garden is located on the east side of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square, serving as a cultural venue with a strong emphasis on Shaanxi’s regional characteristics. The garden features a collection of sculptures, including colorful opera-painted statues and cast bronze reliefs dedicated to local operatic traditions. As you stroll through the garden, you’ll encounter sculpture groups depicting classic Qin Opera (Qinqiang) performances such as “Wudian Slope” and “Beheading Li Guang,” showcasing the unique charm of this traditional art form, known as the “Great Qin Opera.”
Yanta West Garden (Shaanxi Folklore Grand View Garden)
Yanta West Garden, also known as the Shaanxi Folklore Grand View Garden, is located on the west side of the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and was developed on the site of the former Xi’an Bonsai Garden. The garden features elegant scenery and vivid sculptures, seamlessly integrating with the overall landscape of the North Square, creating a harmonious and delightful ambiance. The West Garden focuses on Shaanxi’s folk culture, using lively and expressive sculptural art to showcase the representative folk customs of various regions in Shaanxi, including the Guanzhong Plain, the Weibei Plateau, southern Shaanxi, and northern Shaanxi. The garden offers a rich and charming portrayal of local traditions and cultural heritage.
North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Water Fountain Square)
Located at the foot of the famous Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the North Square is one of the largest Tang Dynasty-themed squares in China. The main attraction is the “Music Fountain” positioned along the central axis. During performances, the fountain features a variety of styles, with the evening shows illuminated by background lights, creating a dazzling display of colors.
Surrounding the fountain are several detailed mini-scenic spots, including a bronze sculpture of the Tang Dynasty’s flourishing era at the North Square entrance, the Wanfo Lighthouse and Tang Dynasty Culture Pillar behind it, and a group of sculptures depicting prominent figures of the Tang Dynasty. The ground is adorned with landscape reliefs, and sculptures themed around “Poetry, Calligraphy, Painting, and Seals” reflect traditional Chinese art. Additionally, famous poetry is inscribed on the lightboxes and stone railings. On the pedestrian street adjacent to the square, there are also sculptures depicting scenes from daily life during the Tang Dynasty.
South Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Xuanzang Square)
The South Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is marked by a prominent statue of Xuanzang. The surrounding area features lush green spaces, small bridges, and flowing water, providing an expansive and open view. At the center of the square stands a nearly 5-meter-tall bronze statue of Master Xuanzang. Dressed in a monk’s robe and holding a walking stick, the master appears dignified and resolute, as if he is still on his journey to the West to obtain scriptures.
The South Square serves as an interpretation of Buddhist culture. The granite-paved ground and the serene waterways reflect the solemnity and reverence of the square. The landscaped green areas create a picturesque and timeless scene. The grand statue of Xuanzang seems to embody a religious compassion and an active engagement with the world, facing all who come to visit.
Visitor Guide for Big Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area
Accommodation: Tang Bo Xiang Fu Cultural Hotel
The Tang Bo Xiang Fu Cultural Hotel (大唐博相府文化酒店) is situated to the north of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square, with the Western Big Wild Goose Pagoda just a wall away and the famous Tang Dynasty Da Ci’en Temple Ruins Park (formerly Qujiang Spring Dawn Garden) to the east. To the south, it is in proximity to the Qujiang Tang Paradise and the Tang Furong Garden, creating a harmonious setting with these notable landmarks. This hotel, the first Tang Dynasty culture museum-style hotel in China, was designed by the renowned architect Zhang Jinqiu.
The hotel is built upon the foundation of the former Tang Dynasty Historical Museum and features Tang-style architecture. It incorporates traditional Chinese three-entry courtyards, a corridor garden layout, and scenic elements like small bridges, flowing water, and lush green lawns, all reflecting the profound Tang Dynasty culture and the timeless charm of Chang’an during its golden era.
Address: No. 6-1 Furong East Road, Qujiang New District, Xi’an
Phone: 029-8556-3333
Dinning Options
There are many restaurants and snack shops around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, offering a wide range of options from authentic Xi’an street food to various Chinese and Western cuisines. Here are some recommendations:
Xiao Liu Soup Dumplings (小六汤包)
Location: South Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Phone: 029-8557-8192
Ziwulu Zhangji Roujiamo (子午路张记肉夹馍)
Location: North side of 383 Zhuque Street, Yanta District
Phone: 029-8556-7777
HaidiLao Hot Pot City (海底捞火锅城)
Location: 486 Yanta Road, Tang Paradise, near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Phone: 029-8556-2865
Shopping Options
On the east and west sides of the Da Ci’en Temple, the East and West Pedestrian Streets are lined with numerous specialty shops and stalls. These offer a variety of unique souvenirs and travel memorabilia, perfect for taking home as keepsakes. The pedestrian streets feature a series of sculptures and small art pieces, including themes like “Bai Xing Wishes for Longevity,” “Shadow Puppet Theater,” “Medicine for the People,” “Street Performances,” and “Wrestling Contests.” These sculptures vividly depict the everyday life of Tang Dynasty citizens, with detailed and lifelike figures that reflect the true scenes of daily life during the Tang Dynasty, showcasing the prosperity and strength of the era.
Yan Ta Temple Fair
During the Lunar New Year period, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square hosts a temple fair. The fair features vibrant performances with a strong festive atmosphere, including traditional Chinese shadow puppetry, puppet shows, and other lively activities. The event is a lively celebration, full of local color and cultural richness.