Visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔) and the surrounding attractions in Xi’an offers a rich experience steeped in history and culture. This itinerary highlights a convenient route that allows you to explore significant sites while enjoying local cuisine and vibrant performances. With careful planning, you can maximize your time and ensure a memorable day, whether you choose to prioritize historical sites or modern attractions.
Sha’anxi History Museum
Start your day at the Sha’anxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆), which is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the rich history of the Sha’anxi region. Plan to spend around four hours here to fully appreciate the displays. After your museum visit, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local delicacies that Xi’an is famous for.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Entry to the pagoda costs 40 yuan, with an additional 25 yuan if you wish to climb to the top. However, if you prefer to save on admission, consider exploring the area around the pagoda and capturing photos without entering. Allocate about two hours to enjoy the surroundings and find the best photography spots.
Photography Tips
Here are six recommended photography spots near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda:
- A platform on the west side of the pagoda, featuring white jade railings, perfect for capturing the pagoda in the background.
- The southeast corner at Dayuecheng (大悦城) has a classic red wall opposite a popular tea shop, although it’s currently surrounded by black fencing, making it necessary to find a creative angle.
- The direct elevator to the fourth-floor observation deck of Dayuecheng offers great views, though the glass barriers can be visually distracting.
- The statue of Xuanzang (玄奘) in the South Square is an excellent backdrop.
- The seated Buddha statue at the nearby Daci’en Temple (大慈恩寺) provides another beautiful shot.
- Capture stunning fountain photos at the North Square when the fountain show is running.
Dining Experience
After your explorations, treat yourself to a local meal. Head to the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda around 6 PM, where you can enjoy traditional dishes like lamb soup (羊肉泡馍) and meat sandwiches (肉夹馍). Many visitors find these options even more delicious than those found on Ziwulu.
Tang Everbright City
After dinner, walk south from the North Square towards Tang Everbright City (大唐不夜城), which is approximately a 2 km walk. Aim to arrive in time for the evening performances, which begin at 7 PM. It’s essential to visit after dark, as the city lights create a magical atmosphere reminiscent of ancient Chang’an.
Evening Performances
The nighttime shows are a highlight of the visit. Be sure to catch the “Fountain Water Dance Show” and the “Roly-Poly Performer.” The music fountain shows take place at 7 PM and 9 PM, showcasing a spectacular display of water and lights. The Roly-Poly show has three performances at 7:30 PM, 8:15 PM, and 9:30 PM, each lasting about ten minutes.
Suggested Evening Schedule
Start your evening at the North Square at 7 PM to enjoy the fountain show.
After the fountain, stroll south, taking in the “Poetic Chang’an” area with lanterns hanging from trees, creating a romantic ambiance.
Continue to the east side of Kaiyuan Square to see the Roly-Poly performance. You can choose to watch from a distance at 8:15 PM or queue early for the more interactive 9:30 PM show.