The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda stands in the grounds of Da Ci'en Temple in Yanta District, Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province in central China. Rising 64 metres, it is one of the best-known landmarks of the city and is widely regarded as a symbol of Xi'an. The pagoda is also known as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Dayan Ta, Dayan Pagoda and the Great Wild Goose Pagoda.
The pagoda and its history
It was built in 652 AD, during the Tang Dynasty, to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India. Its tall, tapering form gives visitors a clear sense of the scale of the temple complex and of the period in which it was raised.
What a visit offers
- A close view of a monumental Buddhist tower within the active Da Ci'en Temple complex.
- A convenient point to understand Xi'an's long connection with the Tang Dynasty and with Buddhism.
- A setting that suits an unhurried walk, with the pagoda visible from much of the surrounding grounds.
Because the pagoda sits inside a temple precinct, it is worth treating the visit with the quiet respect that a working religious site deserves. The temple is in Yanta District, and visitors can plan the trip alongside other sights in the city.
Getting there
The address is Da Ci'en Temple, Yanta District, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China. If you need to confirm arrangements before you go, the contact number is +86-29-85518039.
