Tourism GuideBig Wild Goose Pagoda
A magnificent Tang Dynasty Buddhist pagoda and UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a symbol of ancient Chinas cultural exchange with India along the Silk Road
Key Information
Built Year
652 AD
Height
64 meters
Floors
7 stories
Architectural Style
Tang Dynasty Brick Pagoda
UNESCO Status
Part of Silk Roads World Heritage Site
Original Purpose
Store Buddhist scriptures from India
Construction Material
Brick and Stone
Cultural Significance
Symbol of Buddhist cultural exchange
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda also known as Dayanta is one of Xians most iconic landmarks Built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty under the supervision of the famous Buddhist monk Xuanzang this sevenstory pagoda was originally constructed to house the Buddhist scriptures sutras and figurines that Xuanzang brought back from his epic 17year journey to India The pagoda stands at 64 meters tall and is a masterpiece of Chinese brick pagoda architecture Its simple yet elegant design reflects the influence of Indian Buddhist stupa architecture adapted to Chinese aesthetics The pagoda is located within the Dacien Temple complex which was originally built in 648 AD by Emperor Gaozong of Tang in memory of his mother The name Big Wild Goose Pagoda comes from a Buddhist legend about a group of hungry monks who prayed for food when a flock of wild geese flew overhead and one fell to the ground providing them with sustenance Over the centuries the pagoda has survived earthquakes and wars though it has been repaired and renovated several times most notably during the Ming Dynasty Today it serves not only as a religious site but also as a cultural symbol of Xian and Chinas rich Buddhist heritage
Things to Do
- Climb to the top of the pagoda for panoramic views of Xian city
- Explore the Dacien Temple complex surrounding the pagoda
- Visit the Xuanzang Sanzang Hall to learn about the monks epic journey
- Admire the stone carvings and calligraphy at the pagodas base
- Watch the musical fountain show at the North Square in the evening
- Visit the nearby Shaanxi History Museum to see artifacts from the Tang Dynasty
- Explore the Tang Paradise theme park adjacent to the pagoda
- Attend Buddhist ceremonies and rituals at the temple
