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
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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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