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Big Wild Goose Pagoda

大雁塔
Dà Yàn Tǎ
Heritage Site2-3 hours8 AM – 10 PM88/100 popularity
Captivating night view of the illuminated Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China.
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.
Address
Yanta South Rd, Xi'an
雁塔南路

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

For foreign visitors

  • English service: english tour
  • Cards accepted: visa, master
  • Booking / entry: recommended
  • Best time: Evening 7-9 PM for musical fountain + lit pagoda
  • Wi-Fi: free
  • Transit access: metro direct

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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