Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Overview

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta) is a seven-storey brick tower standing 64 metres tall, originally built in 652 CE to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.

Highlights

• Pagoda climb: Seven floors with a 360-degree panorama from the top.
• Musical fountain: Asia's largest musical fountain show in the north square.
• Xuanzang Hall: Documents the monk's 17-year pilgrimage along the Silk Road.

History

Commissioned by Emperor Gaozong of Tang, the original five-storey structure collapsed and was rebuilt to seven storeys in 704 CE by Empress Wu Zetian.

Visitor Tips

• Fountain show: Free, held at 20:30 (summer) or 20:00 (winter).
• Combined ticket: Covers Da Ci'en Temple grounds and pagoda climb.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.