Daci'en Temple

Daci'en Temple is a Buddhist temple in Xi'an, known as the cradle of East Asian Yogācāra. It is famous for the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a seven-story brick pagoda built under the supervision of the monk Xuanzang, whose pilgrimage to India inspired the novel Journey to the West.

Don't miss

• Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: a 63.25-meter brick pagoda of ancient Indian style, built by Xuanzang in 652.
• Mahavira Hall: enshrines statues of Vairocana, Mahavairocana, and Shakyamuni, with statues of the disciples Mahākāśyapa and Ānanda, and Eighteen Arhats.
• Xuanzang Sanzang Hall: houses the Sarira of Xuanzang, a copper statue of him, and frescoes depicting his life.
• Pagodas Forest: nine pagodas enshrining relics of successive abbots, with their names and birthdates carved on them.
• Palm leaf manuscripts: 20 slices brought from ancient India by Xuanzang.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Daci'en Temple

Cheapest way inXi'an: Exclusive Terracotta Army Tour & Local Family Lunch5★ · 112 travelers6-7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$22 per personSee dates →Best full dayMini Group Xian Day Tour to Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda and Muslim Bazaar4.9★ · 1,546 travelers9-10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$24 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleXi’an Private Day Tour:Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda&Pottery5★ · 31 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$25 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• The temple is located in Yanta District, Xi'an, and was one of three sutras translation sites in the Tang dynasty.
• The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was added to UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage list in 2014.

A bit of history

The temple was first built in 648 by Prince Li Zhi (later Emperor Gaozong) in memory of his mother. Xuanzang managed the temple and oversaw the construction of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in 652. It was rebuilt in 1466 during the Ming dynasty.