The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, or Big Wild Goose Pagoda, is a monumental Buddhist structure located in the southern suburbs of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Originally built in 652 CE during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, it was designed to house the Buddhist sutras and figurines that the monk Xuanzang brought back to China from his legendary pilgrimage to India.
The current structure is a seven-story brick pagoda that stands approximately 64 meters tall. While the original mud-brick core was encased in stone and brick during the Ming Dynasty, the pagoda retains its classic Tang architectural style. It serves as a significant landmark of the Silk Road and remains a center for Buddhist scholarship and pilgrimage.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Stone, Wood
- Civilization
- Tang Dynasty
- Accessibility
- Ground floor accessible; upper levels require stair climbing
- Date(s)
- 652 CE
- Condition
- Well-preserved, active religious site
- Original Function
- Storage for Buddhist scriptures and relics
- Key Figures
- Xuanzang, Emperor Gaozong, Yan Liben
Founding and Purpose
652 CEThe pagoda was commissioned by the monk Xuanzang to store the vast collection of Sanskrit scriptures and Buddhist relics he acquired during his 17-year journey to India. It was originally built within the Da Ci'en Temple complex.
Structural Evolution
8th - 16th centuryThe original structure suffered damage due to wars and natural decay. During the Ming Dynasty, the pagoda underwent a major renovation, receiving its current brick facade and the addition of the seven-story exterior that defines its silhouette today.
Modern Preservation
20th century - presentIn 1961, the pagoda was designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level. It was later inscribed as part of the Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014.
Cultural Significance
The pagoda is a symbol of the historical exchange between China and India, representing the profound influence of Buddhism on Chinese culture. It is inextricably linked to the legacy of Xuanzang, whose travels inspired the classic Chinese novel 'Journey to the West'.
For the people of Xi'an, the pagoda serves as a focal point for cultural heritage. The surrounding Da Ci'en Temple remains an active site for Buddhist practice, and the area is a major center for tourism and public festivals, reflecting the city's status as the ancient capital of the Tang Dynasty.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
There is ongoing academic discussion regarding the extent of the original Tang-era architectural elements versus the Ming-era modifications. While the core structure is recognized as Tang, the precise appearance of the original exterior remains a subject of archaeological speculation.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open daily. Tickets are required for entry to the pagoda complex and for climbing the pagoda itself. Modest dress is recommended as it is an active religious site.
Best Times to Visit
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tourist crowds. Spring and autumn offer the most temperate weather for exploring the temple grounds.
Photography
Photography is permitted in the temple grounds and exterior of the pagoda. Flash photography is prohibited inside the pagoda to protect the historical artifacts and engravings.
Nearby POIs
2 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]The Silk Roads: The Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor — UNESCO World Heritage Centre. UNESCO (2014)View
- [2]Xuanzang: A Buddhist Pilgrim in the Tang Dynasty — Sally Hovey Wriggins. Westview Press (1996)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Stone, Wood
- Civilization
- Tang Dynasty
- Accessibility
- Ground floor accessible; upper levels require stair climbing