Although the pagoda itself in its current form is not as old as the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, it every bit as beautiful and historic. The Daci'en Temple (of which the pagoda is part) has a long history as a religious and scholarly center of China. Although many of the smaller buildings are quite new, the pagoda itself can trace its history back over 1300 years, and aside from renovations here and there, as well as repairs made after a large earthquake in the 1500s, it remains largely the same as it has for centuries. The tower is very imposing looking with a noticeable lean, and really stands out above the surrounding area of Xi'an. It is also incredibly beautiful. The entry price to the scenic area is about 40 kuai if I recall, although you have to pay for a separate ticket inside if you want to climb the pagoda itself. There is also an enormous water display to the north of the pagoda which plays an elaborate water show every couple hours if you're into that kind of stuff. Definitely a must-see attraction...
Read moreVisiting Xi'an is incomplete without exploring the magnificent Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. A testament to ancient Indian civilization, this Royal Buddhism temple from the Tang dynasty showcases the city's rich history. Despite surviving earthquakes, the pagoda's distinct tilt towards the west adds a captivating charm.
A notable highlight is the bronze statue of Xuanzang, the protagonist in the timeless novel "Journey to the West," providing a tangible link to literary and historical narratives. Practical amenities, such as real toilets, enhance the visitor experience.
As the sun sets, the site transforms into a captivating spectacle with a mesmerizing light and water show. The vibrant surroundings come to life with street vendors, delectable food, talented artists, and lively acrobats. The energetic atmosphere makes the entire area a hub of activity, offering a dynamic experience that complements the historical significance of the Giant Wild...
Read moreA monolith of time and devotion, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda rises from Xi’an’s heart, its weathered bricks whispering of a Silk Road long vanished yet still pulsing beneath the city’s skin. Built in 652 AD, it was never just a temple but a vault for ideas—where Xuanzang’s manuscripts, carried from the Indian subcontinent, reshaped Chinese thought, and where each tier ascends toward something beyond the material. Unlike the gleaming towers that now punctuate Xi’an’s skyline, the pagoda remains resolute, a structure that has outlasted dynasties, tremors, and the shifting tides of faith. By day, it is a meditation in geometry, its tapered form casting precise shadows across the plaza. By night, the air vibrates with the cadence of fountain symphonies, modern choreography against an...
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