What is the difference between the Small and Big Wild Goose Pagoda?

Both are Tang-era Buddhist pagodas, but the Small Wild Goose Pagoda (707 CE) is about 50 years younger and far quieter, with fewer tour groups. It is shorter at 43 metres after a 1556 earthquake knocked off its top two floors. The adjacent Xi'an Museum is also less crowded than the Shaanxi History Museum.

Do I need to pay to enter the Small Wild Goose Pagoda area?

The surrounding park and the Xi'an Museum next door are free to enter, but you show your passport for the free museum ticket. Climbing the pagoda itself costs 50 RMB. Bring cash, as the site is listed as cash-only. Most visitors enjoy the grounds and museum without paying to climb.

Is the Small Wild Goose Pagoda worth visiting if I already saw the Big one?

Yes, especially if you want a calmer experience. This UNESCO-listed site combines a leafy park, the well-curated free Xi'an Museum, and the famous earthquake legend of the pagoda 'cracking apart and re-joining.' It is a 10-minute walk from the City Wall, making it easy to pair with other central sights.

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

707 CE 13-story Tang-era pagoda — survived 70+ earthquakes including a 1556 quake that broke off the top 2 floors. UNESCO.

At a glance

What it is: Heritage Site
Also known as: 小雁塔 (Xiǎo Yàn Tǎ)
Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Time needed: 2 hours
Best time to visit: Weekday morning; pairs with Xi'an Museum
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: English tours available
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Passport booking required
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: Youyi West Rd, Xi'an · 友谊西路

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda (707 CE) was built 50 years after the Big Wild Goose Pagoda for a different Buddhist sutra-translation effort. The 13-story pagoda is famous for the legend of the 1556 great Huaxian earthquake (M8.0, deadliest in Chinese history): the pagoda 'cracked through the middle' but didn't fall, and 30 years later in another earthquake 'cracked back together'. The current top 2 floors broke off in 1556 and were never rebuilt — so it's currently 43m, not its original 45m. Adjacent Xi'an Museum (free) is one of the city's best-curated. Entry 50 RMB; museum free with passport. Pairs naturally with City Wall (10 min walk) and is far quieter than Big Wild Goose. UNESCO inscribed 2014.

Highlights

1556 Earthquake CracksThe legend of the pagoda splitting and re-joining
Adjacent Xi'an MuseumFree with passport; quieter than Shaanxi History

What Chinese travelers actually do here

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

▸Skip the 50 RMB pagoda climb if short on time; the free Xi'an Museum next door is the real highlight here.
▸Bring cash. The site is cash-only, so a card or foreign app may not work at the ticket window.
▸Come on a weekday morning right at the 9 AM opening to have the leafy grounds almost to yourself.
▸Photograph the cracked top floors from the south garden, where the missing two storeys are most visible against the sky.
▸It sits roughly a 10-minute walk from the City Wall, so chain the two together rather than making separate trips.
▸Free WiFi covers the grounds, useful for translating the museum's Chinese-only label cards.
▸Autumn brings yellow foliage that frames the brick tower beautifully, the best season for photos here.

Photos

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

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

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

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

Scenic view of a tall pagoda tower framed by autumn trees. Captures seasonal charm and historic architecture.

The iconic Bell Tower of Xi'an beautifully lit against a twilight sky.

Explore the historic Bell Tower of Xi'an, a captivating blend of ancient architecture amidst modern structures.

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

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

Explore Xi'An's rich cultural heritage with a traditional Chinese temple adorned with colorful flags.

An inspiring upward view of the illuminated Bái Đính Pagoda against a night sky, creating a celestial ambiance.

Vibrant night scene of Xi'an Bell Tower with traffic motion blur, beautifully illuminated.

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

The elegant Little Goose Pagoda (709) at Da Jianfu Temple in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, dates back to the Tang Dynasty when Chang'an (Xi'an) was the largest and ri

What travelers say (3 reviews)

BuddhistDay·TripAdvisor·4/5

Free, tranquil Tang-era pagoda. Far less crowded than Big Wild Goose. Combine with Xi'an Museum.

2026-04-15

小雁塔·Xiaohongshu·5/5

小雁塔免费！比大雁塔安静。配西安博物院（免费）+ 荐福寺。半日行程。

2026-03-22

Mike L.·Google Maps·4/5

Free entry, fewer tourists than the Big one. Combine with Xi'an Museum next door.

2026-02-25

Frequently asked questions about Small Wild Goose Pagoda

What is the difference between the Small and Big Wild Goose Pagoda?: Both are Tang-era Buddhist pagodas, but the Small Wild Goose Pagoda (707 CE) is about 50 years younger and far quieter, with fewer tour groups. It is shorter at 43 metres after a 1556 earthquake knocked off its top two floors. The adjacent Xi'an Museum is also less crowded than the Shaanxi History Museum.
Do I need to pay to enter the Small Wild Goose Pagoda area?: The surrounding park and the Xi'an Museum next door are free to enter, but you show your passport for the free museum ticket. Climbing the pagoda itself costs 50 RMB. Bring cash, as the site is listed as cash-only. Most visitors enjoy the grounds and museum without paying to climb.
Is the Small Wild Goose Pagoda worth visiting if I already saw the Big one?: Yes, especially if you want a calmer experience. This UNESCO-listed site combines a leafy park, the well-curated free Xi'an Museum, and the famous earthquake legend of the pagoda 'cracking apart and re-joining.' It is a 10-minute walk from the City Wall, making it easy to pair with other central sights.