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Located within Ci'en Temple in the southern suburbs of Anshi, Shaanxi Province, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is considered a symbol of the ancient capital of Xi'an. As the saying goes, "If you haven't visited the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, you haven't really been to Xi'an." This famous ancient pagoda is featured at the center of the Xi'an city emblem.
This pagoda was where Master Xuanzang, after returning from India (ancient Tianzhu), dedicated himself to translating and storing Buddhist scriptures. Modeled after the Indian Wild Goose Pagoda, it was named Wild Goose Pagoda. Because a smaller Wild Goose Pagoda was later built within the Jianfu Temple in Chang'an, to distinguish it, the Ci'en Temple pagoda became known as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, while the Jianfu Temple pagoda became known as the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a term that has persisted to this day.
The North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda hosts Asia's largest musical fountain show every evening The South Square, with its lush greenery, flowing bridges, and expansive views, is a great place to photograph the beautiful scenery and experience the scenic area.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain Show Time:
There are five performances every day on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays : 12:00 , 14:00 , 16:00 , 18:00 and 20:30 .
There are two performances every day from Monday to Friday at 12:00 and 20:30 .
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is located in the Da Ci'en Temple, so you need to buy a ticket to the Da Ci'en Temple for 50 yuan per person.
An additional ticket of 30 yuan per person is required to climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
9:00-17:00
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures and relics brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. It is an iconic symbol of Xi'an's historical and religious significance.
The pagoda is located in the Yanta District of Xi'an. Visitors can take Metro Line 3 to Da Ci'en Temple station, taxis, or buses. Walking is convenient if staying in nearby hotels.
The pagoda is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The surrounding square and fountain are accessible in the evenings. Best times to visit are spring and autumn mornings to avoid crowds.
Booking 1–3 days in advance is recommended for the pagoda, especially during weekends and holidays.
2–3 hours are sufficient to explore the pagoda, temple complex, and surrounding square.
Guided tours and audio guides are available in English, Chinese, and other major languages.
Start at the temple entrance, explore the pagoda interior, then walk the gardens, and finish at the square to enjoy the fountain show if visiting in the evening.
The plaza surrounding the pagoda hosts nightly musical fountain and light shows. Special cultural events occur during festivals.
Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Avoid national holidays and weekends when tourists peak.
Facilities include toilets, drinking water points, benches, souvenir shops, and small restaurants near the square.
The temple grounds and square are accessible; however, climbing the pagoda involves stairs and is not suitable for disabled visitors.
Most attractions and shops accept mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and credit cards. Cash is useful for street vendors.
Yes, especially in the temple vicinity and nearby restaurants catering to Buddhist visitors and local Muslim community.
Several hotels range from budget to 4–5 star options within walking distance of the pagoda, including boutique hotels near Yanta District.
Souvenirs include pagoda replicas, Buddhist items, calligraphy scrolls, and local snacks.
Metro Line 3, taxis, and rideshares are convenient to continue exploring Xi'an or return to the city center or airport.
