Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Tower Tang-dynasty Buddhist pagoda in Xi'an, important pilgrimage site
In Xi’an, the Tang‑era Giant Wild Goose Pagoda sits within the Da Ci’en Temple complex; pilgrims and visitors come to see its multi-storey brick structure, Buddhist relics and panoramic city views from upper levels.
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a Tang-dynasty Buddhist pagoda in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China, originally constructed in 652 CE. It is a major historic monument and a landmark of Xi’an.
The principal feature is the multi-storey brick tower standing about 64 metres high with seven visible storeys; visitors can ascend inside to a viewing gallery. The site is set within the larger Da Ci’en Temple complex with temple halls, courtyards, and museum displays related to Buddhism and the monk Xuanzang. Many visitors combine a visit with other Xi’an attractions; the tower is a focal point for photography and city views.
The pagoda was built in the mid-7th century during the Tang dynasty to house sutras and relics brought to China by the monk Xuanzang. It has been repaired and partially rebuilt several times over the centuries but retains its historic Tang-era plan and importance as a religious and cultural monument.
The pagoda sits on the southern edge of Xi’an’s central urban area within the Da Ci’en Temple grounds, a short drive from the city centre and within Xi’an’s greater urban landscape.
- Top views: Climbing the internal stair and the top gallery gives panoramic views across Xi'an, especially attractive at sunrise and sunset.
- Religious significance: The pagoda was constructed to house Buddhist texts and relics brought back by the monk Xuanzang, making it an important Buddhist site in Xi'an.
What to See #
- Pagoda tower: Located within the Da Ci'en Temple complex south of Xi'an's city centre, the pagoda itself is a brick tower of seven storeys reaching about 64 metres in height and built with a square plan.
- Da Ci'en Temple: The surrounding Da Ci'en Temple grounds date to the Tang dynasty and include courtyards and halls that form the temple complex around the tower.
How to Get to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda #
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is in the Yanta District of Xi’an. Take metro Line 3 or Line 7 to Dayanta or Daci’en Park stations, then walk a short distance. Taxis and buses also serve the area; the pagoda is well signposted.
Tips for Visiting Giant Wild Goose Pagoda #
- Arrive at opening to avoid tour-bus crowds and to get clearer photos of the pagoda's terraces.
- Climb the pagoda for views across Xi'an and early-morning mist when conditions are right.
- Combine with a visit to the nearby Xi'an Museum or Da Ci'en Temple for context.
Best Time to Visit Giant Wild Goose Pagoda #
Best in spring or autumn for comfortable conditions and clearer air; mornings tend to be less hazy.
Weather & Climate near Giant Wild Goose Pagoda #
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (625 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. The driest month with just 9 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. The driest month with just 9 mm and partly cloudy skies.
