Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta)

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Ta) is one of Xi'an's most important historic monuments, a towering, seven-storey Tang dynasty brick pagoda dating from the 7th century, built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the famous monk Xuanzang. Set within the grounds of the Da Ci'en Temple, the pagoda's austere, tapering form is a masterpiece of Tang architecture; you can climb its internal stairs for a view over the city, and explore the surrounding temple halls and gardens.

The vast plaza in front, the North Square, hosts one of Asia's largest musical fountain shows, drawing big evening crowds. Together the ancient pagoda and the modern fountain spectacle make for a rewarding visit, and the area is a lively cultural hub of the city.

Don't miss

• The 7th-century Tang dynasty brick pagoda
• Climbing inside for city views
• The Da Ci'en Temple halls and gardens
• The link to the pilgrim-monk Xuanzang
• The huge musical fountain show on the North Square

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta)

Cheapest way inTerracotta Army+Gaint Goose Pagoda+City Wall Bus Tour with Option4.8★ · 10 travelers~9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$17 per personSee dates →Best full dayMini Group Xian Day Tour to Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda and Muslim Bazaar4.9★ · 1,534 travelers9–10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$24 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleXi'an: Top 3 Highlights All Inclusive Private Day Tour5★ · 125 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$168 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• There's a separate fee to climb the pagoda on top of temple entry.
• Time your evening around the free musical fountain show on the North Square.
• It connects to the story of Xuanzang, the monk of 'Journey to the West' fame.
• Dress respectfully, it's an active Buddhist temple.

A bit of history

Built in 652 AD during the Tang dynasty (and later rebuilt/reinforced), the pagoda was constructed at the Da Ci'en Temple to store the Buddhist sutras and figurines that the monk Xuanzang brought back from his epic pilgrimage to India. It's a UNESCO-listed monument as part of the Silk Road sites.