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The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is located in Jianfu Temple on the south side of the eastern section of Youyi West Road outside the South Gate of Xi'an. It is a typical dense-eaves Buddhist pagoda, facing east and west with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Because it is smaller than the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, it is called the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. It is one of the two important symbols of the ancient Tang Dynasty capital Chang'an that have been preserved to this day. The "Yanta Morning Bell" is also one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Guanzhong in the Qing Dynasty.
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda was built during the Jinglong reign of the Tang Dynasty to house the illustrious monk Yijing, who had returned from India to translate Buddhist scriptures. Originally constructed with 15 stories, it survived repeated earthquakes, leaving only 13 remaining. Inside, a spiraling wooden staircase leads to the top, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Xi'an.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
free
9:00-17:00
Closed every Tuesday (except national holidays) and New Year's Eve
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 707 AD during the Tang Dynasty, is a significant Buddhist site in Xi’an. It was originally constructed to store Buddhist scriptures brought from India and represents Tang-era architecture and religious history.
Located in the Yanta District of Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. Accessible by Xi’an Metro Line 3 (Daci’en Temple Station), local buses, taxis, or walking from nearby city areas.
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
The entrance fee is around ¥35–¥50. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through official tourism platforms.
Booking in advance is not mandatory but recommended during weekends or Chinese public holidays.
Approximately 2–3 hours to explore the pagoda, temple grounds, and museum comfortably.
Guided tours are available in Chinese; limited English tours can be arranged in advance. Audio guides in English may be available at the ticket office.
Enter through the main gate, visit the museum first, explore the temple halls, then finish with the pagoda and gardens for optimal photos.
Night visits are limited; occasional cultural or religious events may occur, but light shows are not common.
Weekdays are less crowded. Avoid national holidays and weekends for a quieter experience.
Facilities include public toilets, small snack shops, rest areas, and souvenir shops within the temple grounds.
Most areas are accessible, though some steps may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Strollers and wheelchairs are partially supported.
Both cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted for tickets and on-site purchases.
Nearby streets have local Shaanxi restaurants serving noodles, dumplings, and snacks. Small cafes are also available near the temple.
Vegetarian food is commonly available; Halal restaurants can be found nearby in Xi’an city.
Several hotels, guesthouses, and boutique accommodations are within a 5–10 minute drive, mostly in Yanta District.
Souvenir shops sell Buddhist-themed items, traditional handicrafts, postcards, and small sculptures.
Taxi, rideshare, or bus services can take visitors to nearby attractions or back to Xi’an city center.
