Big Wild Goose Pagoda
» Xi'an, Shaan Xi

大雁塔 凭栏远眺,长安风貌尽收眼底

South Yanta Road

It is the oldest and highest wooden structure in China and is regarded as the "First Pagoda in the World" and an architectural gem. Built without the use of nails, the entire structure is solid, imposing, and elegant. It has weathered over 900 years of wind and storm, yet has remained intact despite many strong earthquakes. It is indeed a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture.

Why to visit

Wooden Pagoda, also called Sakyamuni Pagoda, is located in Fogong (Buddha's Palace) Temple in the northwestern corner of Yingxian, about 70 kilometers south of Datong, Shanxi Province. It is the oldest and highest wooden structure in China and is regarded as the "First Pagoda in the World" and an architectural gem.

Built without the use of nails, the entire structure is solid, imposing, and elegant. It has weathered over 900 years of wind and storm, yet has remained intact despite many strong earthquakes. It is indeed a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture.

When to built

The pagoda was constructed in 1056 A.D. during the Liao Dynasty. The pagoda was built on a stone platform four meters high. Around the upper edge and at the corners of the platform there are sculptures of crawling lions whose simple and unsophisticated style indicates it to belong to the Liao Dynasty.

What to see

The exterior of the pagoda is divided into three parts: the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Da Ci'en Temple, and the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The exterior of the pagoda is divided into five levels, but there are actually nine levels in the interior, including four built-in stories. When people enter the southern door of the pagoda, they see a statue of Sakyamuni (the Buddha) about ten meters high. The ceiling is refined and beautifully structured. On the inner walls are six pictures of Tathagata in different poses. On the walls of the doorway are mural paintings of warrior attendants, heavenly kings, and Buddhist disciples. A painting of three female devotees on the wall above the door is especially exquisite. All the statues and murals have Liao Dynasty characteristics.

Landscape for Each storey

Each storey has windows facing in eight directions, so people can have a clear view. There are also wide balconies with banisters around each storey so people can enjoy a panoramic view of Yingxian, Mt. Hengshan and the Songgan River.

  • East Garden of Big Wild Goose Pagoda
    East garden is located at the east side of the north square and occupies 67 acres. This garden is a place that displays Shaanxi local culture. Through color opera sculptures, copper sculptures of local opera, group sculptures of Shaanxi famous dramatists and group sculptures of Shaanxi famous opera actors, the garden shows the features of Shaanxi local culture and also exhibits the particular enchantment of Qing opera.
  • West Garden of Big Wild Goose Pagoda
    West garden is located at the west side of the north square and occupies 83 acres. This is a green place that integrates folk custom, culture, zoology and scenery and shows Shaanxi regional cultures. The theme of west garden is folk custom of Shaanxi province, and the vivid figures show the folk custom of shadow puppet, scissor-cut, sugar figure blowing, stilt, eight special phenomenon of Shaanxi, and old city story in the regions of Guanzhong, Weibei plateau, south Shaanxi and North Shaanxi.
  • South Garden of Big Wild Goose Pagoda
    South garden is located at east side of the east walking street and occupies about 70 acres. Once it was the famous city park of Tang dynasty. Because of its special historic and geographic position, it is reconstructed into classical park to replay the style and feature of Tang dynasty. Now, the garden is in the process of reconstruction.

What We found

During recent repairs, a number of important and valuable cultural relics were found in the pagoda, including a picture of medicinal herbs and Buddhist scriptures, all belonging to the Liao Dynasty. Scripture scrolls include both hand-written and block-printed ones - some of them are more than thirty meters long when spread out and date back to as early as 990, 1003 or 1071. They are regarded as rare treasures both at home and abroad, providing important data not only for the collating of Buddhist scriptures, but also for the study of the development of printing technology in China.

Da Ci'en Temple

Da Ci'en Temple is the home of Big Wild Goose Pagoda. In 648, to commemorate the dead virtuous queen, royalty ordered the building of a temple named 'Ci'en' (Mercy and Kindness), for which the status and scale far exceeded all others. Today, with an area of 32,314 square meters (38,648.5 square yards), one seventh of the original area, it still retains its grandeur. Before the temple, there stands a statue of hierarch Xuanzang, the meritorious hierarch. Walking on and across a small bridge, visitors will see the gates of the temple. With guarding lions, the temple seems stately for lions were said to function as talismans.

Entering the temple you will see two buildings: Bell Tower in the east and Drum Tower in the west. Along the central axis are arranged the Hall of Mahavira, in the Hall of Mahavira are three carved statues of Sakyamuni, and 18 arhats as well as Xuanzang. Sermon Hall, where Buddhist disciples would listen to a sermon. A bronze statue of Amitabha is dedicated and a Buddha statue is collected by Xuanzang as oblation. Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Hall of Xuanzang Sanzang.

  • Bell Tower
    Inside the Bell Tower hangs an iron bell 15 tons (14.76 gross tons) in weight. It was molded in 1548 in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).
  • The Hall of Xuanzang Sanzang
    The Hall of Xuanzang Sanzang is north of Big Wild Goose Pagoda. In this hall are Xuanzang's relic and a bronze statue of a seated Xuanzang. The inner wall is chiseled with murals depicting this hierarch's story. Renowned as the contemporary Dunhuang Buddhist storehouse praised by UNESCO, it is the biggest memorial of Xuanzang.

North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Surrounding Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the scenery is also quite charming, especially the square north of the Da Ci'en Temple. Covering about 110,000 square meters (131,563 square yards) plus 20,000 square meters (23920.6 square yards) of water area, it holds many records: in Asia, it is the biggest Tang-culture square, the biggest fountain and waterscape square, and the largest-scale sculptures area. In the world, it has the most benches, the longest light-belt, and the largest-scale acoustic complex.

South Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda

South square is located in front of the Ci'en Temple and opened to public in early 2001. South square occupies 32.6 acres which includes Xuanzang sculpture and other facilities as gardens, granite ground and bridges.

Getting around

The entire square is composed of waterscape fountains, a cultural square, gardens and tourist paths. There you can taste real Chinese culture and traditions and fully enjoy the truly attractive views. With reliefs on the theme of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, 200-meter-long (656-foot-long) sculpture groups, 8 groups of sculpted figures, 40 relievos on the land, and 22 styles of musical fountains, it has become a must-see when you visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Show time of the music fountains

  • Monday; Wednesday - Friday
    12:00, 20:30 (Winter Time)
  • Monday; Wednesday - Friday
    12:00, 21:00 (Summer Time)
  • Tuesday
    20:30 (Winter Time)
    21:00 (Summer Time)
  • Weekend and other statutory holidays
    12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:30 (Winter Time)
    12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 21:00 (Summer Time)

East and West Walking Street

East and west walking street are respectively located at the east and west sides of Ci'en temple. The vivid city lives of people in Tang dynasty are fully expressed through a group of mini sculptures such as: common people congratulate birthday, street drama, vaudeville, larking etc. The sculptures are so true to life that visitors can feel the glory and wealthy atmosphere of Tang dynasty.

When to visit

Opening Hours: 8:00 - 18:00

Attractions around » Xi'an, Shaan Xi

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Nightlife

Nightlife

Day Entertainment & Sports

Day Entertainment & Sports

Shopping & Leisure

Shopping & Leisure

  Weather

  1. Is the weather fine all year round in Xi'an?
  2. What is the best season to visit Xi'an?

  Food

  1. What can we have for dinner in Xi'an?
  2. What is Xi'an local delicacy?

  Shopping

  1. Can I use my credit card when visiting the attractions in Xi'an?
  2. Where can I buy chinese medicine?
  3. Where can I find the department stores and supermarkets?
  4. What souvenirs can we buy in Xi'an?

  Travel

  1. What taboos do we need to pay attention to in Xi'an?
  2. What should we prepare for our visit to Mt.Huashan?
  3. Where can I meet muslim friends in Xi'an?
  4. What about the toilet facilities in Xi'an?

  Customs

  1. Where can I see Shadow Puppets in Xi'an?
  2. Why does Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show become so popular here?
  3. How about the dress for Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show?

  Other Hints

  1. What is Xi'an time?
  2. What to pack for Xi'an tours?
  3. Where is the post office in Xi'an?
  4. Is the internet bar available in Xi'an?
  5. What about other useful numbers in Xi'an?
  6. What is emergency number in Xi'an?

  • Is the weather fine all year round in Xi'an?

    Xi'an is in a warm temperate zone, and has a continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons; Xi'an is hot and wet in summer, dry and seldom snowy in winter and is prone to extended spells of rain in spring and autumn.

    The temperature during spring (March to May) increases rapidly, but is prone to fluctuation. The average temperature in March is 7.9 centigrade, rising to 14.1 centigrade in April and 19.4 centigrade in May.

    Summer in Xi'an (June to August) becomes both hot and humid, with the highest average temperature being 32 centigrade and the maximum temperature of ten above 40 centigrade.

    Xi'an also experiences a fair amount of precipitation during autumn, (September to November). The early autumn period is cool and can be overcast, late autumn is usually fine.

    Winter (December to February) is dry and cold with a little snow. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 0 Centigrade.


  • What is the best season to visit Xi'an?

    Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons during the year for Xi'an tour. With the pleasant temperature, gentle breezes and warm sunshine, spring is a good time of year for outdoor activities and traveling. Late autume is also worth to visit here.


  • What can we have for dinner in Xi'an?

    As the capital of table delicacies, Xi'an is famous for the delicious Shaanxi snacks, the delicate Guangdong cuisine, in a sweet and mild flavor. Various kinds of fashionable foreign delicacies, and the popular Sichuan cuisine, such as hot pot, in a spicy flavor.


  • What is Xi'an local delicacy?

    When you are travelling in Xi'an, one delicacy you will surely to find on the menu is the dumpling.

    Xi'an, an ancient city that has been the nation's capital during no less than eleven dynasties spanning more than a thousand years is regarded as the home if not the birthplace of the great dumpling tradition.

    It was here that the art of creating the most tasty and delicate of dumplings was refined and no visit to the city is complete unless you partake of a dumpling dinner.


  • Can I use my credit card when visiting the attractions in Xi'an?

    No, most attractions are not allowed to pay credit card, for your convinence, it is much better to bring some cash money along the trip. most 4 star hotels or 5 star hotels provide a good service to exchange into RMB at front desk.


  • Where can I buy chinese medicine?

    You can also find the traditional chineses medicine market in Xi'an, which embody the local culture of chinese medical treatment.

    In Chinese medicine, the links between body, mind and spirit have always been recognized and indeed lie at the heart of the system. There is a saying like western medicine cure the external causes but Chinese Medicine cures the internal causes.


  • Where can I find the department stores and supermarkets?

    Department stores

    Minsheng Department Store, at No. 103, Jiefang Lu
    Parkson Shopping Center is popular in Xian and now there are three Parkson:

    1. Xi'an Luck Parkson: 119, Dong Dajie (Opposite the Hyatt Regency Hotel)
    2. Xi'an Shidai Parkson: Shidai Shengdian Plaza, Xi Dajie
    3. Xi'an Chang'an Parkson: 38, Chang'an Zhong Lu

    Supermarkets

    1. South Gate Branch (Downtown) is situated in Fen Xiang, Nan Dajie.
      Bus: No. 600, 603
    2. Chang'an Lu Branch (South Suburb) is located at the northeast corner of the crossing of Shida Lu and Chang'an Lu.
      Bus: No.19, 44, 101, 215, 239, 408, 600, 603
    3. Jin Hua Lu Branch (East Suburb) is situated near the crossing of Changle Lu and Jinhua Lu.
      Bus: No. 4, 10, 11, 13, 27, 43, 105, 209, 303, 402, 604, 605
    4. Lian Hu Branch (West Suburb) is located at the southwest of the crossing of Daqing Lu and Taoyuan Lu.
      Bus: No.2, 12, 45, 103, 104, 207, 210, 222, 223, 224, 301, 303, 605, 803
    5. North Suburb Branch is located along the Bei Erhuan Lu (Northern 2nd Ring Road).
      Bus: No. 18, 17, 238, 228, 236, 609, 600
    6. Nan Erhuan Branch is situated along the Nan Erhuan Lu (Southern 2nd Ring Road).
      Bus: No.24, 46, 308, 311, 608


  • What souvenirs can we buy in Xi'an?

    Xi'an is a great place to do some fantastic Chinese souvenir shopping, especially for cultural items.

    Some excellent offerings specific to Xi'an include: Chinese calligraphy rubbings, Tang pottery replicas, Terracotta Warrior replicas, Folk paintings, Folk paper cuttings and Green porcelain.


  • what taboos do we need to pay attention to in Xi'an?

    Xi'an is a multiethnic regin, of which the population of Islam is approximately one half, it is a taboo to eat pork and the flesh of animals which died of natrual course, in order not to trouble yourselves, you'd better not to eat anything made of pork and talk about pig in any muslim restaurant.


  • What should we prepare for our visit to Mt.Huashan?

    Famed as the most precipitous of the five moutains in China, Mt.Huashan is a hardship jouney for xi'an tour. You might prepare a long gown and a pair of jogging shoes in case of raining and dropping of.


  • Where can I meet muslim friends in Xi'an?

    Muslim quarter is a shopping center where many muslime friends gathered there. This area is paved with dark colored stone with green trees providing heavy shade during summer. There are many restaurants and stores on the street. The owners are all Moslems.

    Moslem Street has a long history. It is said that in olden days, foreign diplomatic envoys and merchants lived here then they married and had children, so gradually the population increased.

    Today, most of the inhabitants of Moslem Street are the descendants of those immigrants.


  • What about the toilet facilities in Xi'an?

    Most toilet facilities in emporiums, shopping centers, supermarkets, stations and scenic spots are free. The other will charge no more than 0.5 Yuan.


  • Where can I see Shadow Puppets in Xi'an?

    Shadow Puppets was shaped in an art form of famouse traditional folk custome.The Chinese shadow puppets have existed in China for over a thousand years.

    The Shadow Play is hold in an old house of the Qing Dynasty. The show is about 15 minutes long and performed in a very small room. you can go Gao'a family where near to Drum Tower to see the show, the performance costs about 40 yuan for each one.


  • Why does the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show become so popular here?

    The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a wonderful performance of the ancient music and dance, is a must when you visit Xian.

    The city, which was formerly known as Chang'an has a very long history, and was the imperial capital during 13 dynastic periods. Of these, the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) was the most prosperous and glorious of all.

    The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show is an outstanding exponent of this ancient stable and prosperous society, keeping alive its splendid culture and providing an insight into the peaceful life style of the period.


  • How about the dress for Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show?

    There is no special dress requirement for this show, but some travelers like to dress up.

    If you have time to change your clothes after the day's tour, we suggest that you dress as you would for any formal occasion, like the Opera in Beijing, and the welcome and farewell dinners during the Yangtze Cruise.

    Jackets and ties for gentlemen and a formal dress or gown for ladies are recommended.


  • What is Xi'an time?

    Equal to Beijing, Xi'an is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (London) and 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (New York), is the standard time used in China.


  • What to pack for Xi'an tours?

    Besides the medicines you usually take at home, you need to bring pain killers, anti-inflammatory prescriptions and medicines for colds, fever and diarrhea. These medicines are especially helpful if you are going to visit Xi'an.


  • Where is the post office in Xi'an?

    1. City Center: Bell Tower Post Office, Northeast corner of Bell Tower Square
    2. South Suburb: Xiao Zhai Branch, No.3 Xiao Zhai Xi Lu
    3. North Suburb: Bei Guan Branch, No.18 Bei Guan Zheng Jie

    Opening Hours 8:30-18:00


  • Is the internet bar available in Xi'an?

    Yes, it is. tourists can easily find internet bars near colleges or universities, usually it costs you 1 - 2 Yuan per hour, but those with better facilities and faster connection speeds may cost more.


  • What about other useful numbers in Xi'an?

    Zip code Inquiry: 184
    Taxi Complain: 88624509
    Consumption Complain: 12315
    Telephone Number Inquiry: 114
    Public Buses Complain: 16801315
    China Mobile Customer Hotline: 10086
    China Unicom Customer Hotline: 10010
    China Telecom Customer Hotline: 10000


  • What is emergency number in Xi'an?

    Fire: 119
    Traffic: 122
    Ambulance: 120
    Police: 110


As the symbol of the old-line Xian, Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Originally built in 652 during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), it functioned to collect Buddhist materials that were taken from India by the hierarch Xuanzang.

Special China Tours

Tour Highlights

» 6 tours1 Day Tours

» 14 toursCity Tours

» 36 toursPackage Tours

»»For exploration of Big Wild Goose Pagoda, check out 59 tours ...



Tour Searching
Tour Packages We Provide
Package Searching 101
Customized Tour Design
Tour Booking
Fill Your Cart
Travel Agreement
Order Confirmation
Deposit & Payment
Methods of Payment
Deposit
Final Payment
Cancellation
Alteration
Customer Service
Contact Us
Our Guarantees
Lodge a Complaint
Travel Tips
Sitemap
Popular China Travel Destinations & Tours
phone U.S.A. +1 (310) 997-0051 / +1 (310) 878-2934
Canada +1 (604) 998-6945
China +86 (10) 8409-8570 / +86 (10) 8409-8571
email info@yeschinatour.commsn: help@yeschinatour.com