Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Tower Tang-dynasty Buddhist pagoda in Xi'an historic complex
In Xi’an, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda stands within the Jianfu Temple complex as Tang-dynasty brick architecture. Visitors come for early Buddhist history, architectural detail and nearby museum collections.
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is an early Tang dynasty Buddhist pagoda in Xi’an, Shaanxi province. Construction began in 707 AD and it forms part of the Jianfu Temple complex.
A multi-storey brick pagoda standing roughly 43.4 metres tall is the central feature, set within temple grounds and accompanied by exhibition material about its religious and architectural significance. It is visited as an example of Tang-era pagoda architecture and for its quieter atmosphere compared with larger Xi’an monuments.
Built in the early 8th century to house Buddhist texts and relics brought to China during the Tang period, the pagoda has undergone repair and reinforcement following historical earthquakes and centuries of use. It retains its original role as a temple monument and historic landmark.
The pagoda is located in the city of Xi’an in Shaanxi province, within the ancient urban area historically associated with imperial China and major Tang-period Buddhist sites.
- Date and height: Construction began in 707 AD during the Tang dynasty and the tower stands at approximately 43.4 metres tall. It is part of the Jianfu Temple complex in Xi'an.
- Context: Smaller than the nearby Big Wild Goose Pagoda, it remains an important Tang-period monument and Buddhist site in Xi'an.
Tips for Visiting Small Wild Goose Pagoda #
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the mid-day tour groups and Xi'an's summer heat - light at these times is also best for photos of the pagoda from the temple grounds.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Shaanxi History Museum (a short walk away) - reserve the museum's timed entry separately in advance to make the most of the area while it's less crowded.
- Explore the surrounding Jianfu Temple park rather than just the tower itself; the quieter paths give better views and compositions of the pagoda away from the busiest viewpoints.
Best Time to Visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda #
Best visited in spring or autumn for comfortable weather and fewer heat-driven crowds.
Weather & Climate near Small Wild Goose Pagoda #
Small 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 32°C. Moderate rainfall (624 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 10 mm and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 10 mm and partly cloudy skies.
