Do I have to pay to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?

It depends what you want. The North Square and its musical fountain are free and public. To enter the surrounding Da Ci'en Temple grounds costs around 50 RMB, and climbing the seven-story pagoda is an extra 20 RMB or so. Many visitors enjoy the lit-up pagoda and fountain from the free square without buying a temple ticket at all.

When is the musical fountain show at the North Square?

The North Square hosts what's billed as Asia's largest musical fountain, with daily shows typically around noon, late afternoon, and evening. The 8 PM show is the most atmospheric, pairing the water display with the floodlit pagoda behind it. Arrive 20-30 minutes early on weekends to claim a clear viewing spot, as crowds gather fast.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

652 CE Tang-era 64m Buddhist pagoda built to house sutras brought by Xuanzang from India — UNESCO World Heritage.

At a glance

What it is: Heritage Site
Also known as: 大雁塔 (Dà Yàn Tǎ)
Opening hours: 8 AM – 10 PM
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Best time to visit: Evening 7-9 PM for musical fountain + lit pagoda
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: English tours available
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Passport booking recommended
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: Yanta South Rd, Xi'an · 雁塔南路

See Big Wild Goose Pagodatickets & tours

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The Big Wild Goose Pagoda (652 CE) was built under Emperor Gaozong to house Buddhist sutras + statues that the monk Xuanzang brought back from his 17-year pilgrimage to India (the historical inspiration for Journey to the West). The 64m, 7-story pagoda is the oldest surviving Tang Buddhist architecture in China and UNESCO inscribed 2014 as part of the Silk Road. Entry to the surrounding Da Ci'en Temple is 50 RMB; climbing the pagoda is an extra 20 RMB. The North Square (free, public) has Asia's largest musical fountain show — daily 12 PM, 4 PM, 8 PM. Best evening for fountain + pagoda lit-up combo. Metro Line 3 to Da Yan Ta station drops you 5 min walk.

Highlights

Musical Fountain North SquareFree; daily 12/16/20:00 — Asia's largest
Climb the 7-story Pagoda+20 RMB; Tang-era sutras inside
Xuanzang StatueThe Journey to the West historical monk

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Time your visit for the 8 PM fountain — you get the water show and the floodlit pagoda in one shot.
▸The free North Square gives the classic pagoda-reflection photo; you don't need a temple ticket for it.
▸Stake out a fountain spot 20-30 minutes before showtime on weekends, when the square fills quickly.
▸Take Metro Line 3 to Dayanta station; it's a 5-minute walk and skips Xi'an's notorious evening traffic.
▸Look for the Xuanzang statue in front — it anchors the Journey to the West story the whole site celebrates.
▸Foreign cards work at the ticket office here, but carry some RMB for snacks and small vendors around the square.
▸Booking ahead is recommended in peak season; passport-linked online tickets save you the on-site queue.

Photos

A historic brick tower with ornate design partially obscured by autumn foliage.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda stands majestically on a hilltop against a vibrant sky in Xi'an, China.

Serene view of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an with lush greenery and a clear evening sky.

A stunning sunset over the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, showcasing the ancient architectural beauty in Xi'an, China.

A historic pagoda reaches towards the sky featuring serene architectural beauty against a clear backdrop.

Historic Chinese pagoda surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky.

Traditional Buddhist pagoda with ornate tiled roofs surrounded by lush greenery, showcasing tranquility and cultural heritage.

Rows of historic pagodas with distinct architecture under a clear blue sky, highlighting ancient design.

The iconic Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple against a clear blue sky, Yunnan, China.

A tranquil view of three ancient pagodas surrounded by lush greenery under a blue sky.

Captivating view of a traditional Chinese pagoda in Hangzhou, surrounded by lush greenery.

Close-up view of traditional Chinese round temple architecture with intricate details and cultural symbols.

Detailed view of an ornate Buddhist pagoda tower against the sky in Dali, Yunnan, China.

Beautiful pagoda tower by a tranquil lake in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

History·TripAdvisor·5/5

Tang-era 652 CE pagoda — built to house Xuanzang's sutras from India. Free North Square fountain show 12/16/20:00. ¥50 entry + ¥20 climb.

2026-04-10

大雁塔·Xiaohongshu·5/5

大雁塔晚上8点亚洲最大音乐喷泉免费看！配大唐不夜城晚上散步绝配。

2026-03-20

Sara M.·Google Maps·5/5

Climb the pagoda (+¥20) for Tang-era sutras + city view. UNESCO Silk Road heritage.

2026-04-18

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Frequently asked questions about Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Do I have to pay to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?: It depends what you want. The North Square and its musical fountain are free and public. To enter the surrounding Da Ci'en Temple grounds costs around 50 RMB, and climbing the seven-story pagoda is an extra 20 RMB or so. Many visitors enjoy the lit-up pagoda and fountain from the free square without buying a temple ticket at all.
When is the musical fountain show at the North Square?: The North Square hosts what's billed as Asia's largest musical fountain, with daily shows typically around noon, late afternoon, and evening. The 8 PM show is the most atmospheric, pairing the water display with the floodlit pagoda behind it. Arrive 20-30 minutes early on weekends to claim a clear viewing spot, as crowds gather fast.
What's the history behind the pagoda and is climbing it worth it?: Built in 652 CE, it housed Buddhist sutras the monk Xuanzang brought back from a 17-year journey to India — the inspiration for Journey to the West. It's the oldest surviving Tang Buddhist architecture in China and a UNESCO Silk Road site. Climbing the 64-meter, seven-story tower gives city views, though the historical setting matters more than the view itself.