Big Wild Goose Pagoda
🏛️ Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔)
A 1,300-year-old Buddhist pagoda and Xi'an's most recognizable landmark — surrounded by beautiful squares and the largest musical fountain in Asia.
Overview
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔, Dà Yàn Tǎ) was built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang (the real-life inspiration for Journey to the West). It's 64 meters tall, leans slightly, and is one of China's most important Buddhist sites.
Essential Info
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Yanta District, southern Xi'an |
| Opening hours | 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Apr-Oct), 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM (Nov-Mar) |
| Ticket price | ¥40 (square), ¥30 (climb the pagoda) |
| Time needed | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon, stay for the fountain show |
How to Get There
- Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Dayanta (大雁塔站), Exit B
- Didi/Taxi: ~¥15-30 from city center
- Walking: 30 minutes south of the South Gate
What to See
The Pagoda
The main structure. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of Xi'an (extra ¥30). The stairs are steep and narrow — worth it for the view.
North Square (北广场)
The largest musical fountain show in Asia:
- Show times: Usually 12:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM (check locally, varies by season)
- Duration: ~20 minutes
- Cost: Free
- Best spot: Stand in the center of the square facing the pagoda
South Square (南广场)
Beautiful landscaped gardens with Tang Dynasty-style architecture. Good for photos.
Da Ci'en Temple (大慈恩寺)
The temple complex surrounding the pagoda. Peaceful gardens, ancient halls, and incense burning.
Pro Tips
-
Stay for the fountain show — it's free and genuinely impressive. The evening show (8:00 PM) is the best.
-
Don't climb the pagoda if you have bad knees — the stairs are steep, narrow, and there are a lot of them.
-
Combine with the Shaanxi History Museum — it's a 10-minute walk away and one of the best museums in China (free, book tickets in advance).
-
The pagoda leans — it's been tilting for centuries due to the soft ground. Engineers have stabilized it, but you can see the lean.
-
Evening is best — the pagoda is beautifully lit at night, and the fountain show is the highlight.
FAQ
How much does the Big Wild Goose Pagoda cost? The temple square is ¥40. Climbing the pagoda is an additional ¥30. The fountain show is free.
What time is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda fountain show? Usually at 12:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM. Times vary by season — check locally. The evening shows are the best.
How long should I spend at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda? 1-2 hours is sufficient. Add 30 minutes if you want to see the fountain show.
Can you climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda? Yes, for an additional ¥30. The stairs are steep and narrow, but the panoramic view from the top is worth it.
Is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda worth visiting? Yes, especially combined with the fountain show and the nearby Shaanxi History Museum. It's one of Xi'an's most important historical sites.
Cost Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Temple + pagoda entry | ¥40 |
| Climb pagoda | ¥30 |
| Metro | ¥2-5 |
| Total | ¥72-75 |
Last updated: 2026-06-05 · Written by Bobby, living in Chengdu since 2023
