Big or Small Wild Goose Pagoda: Which Xi’an Treasure Should You Visit?

When planning your trip to Xi’an, you’ll likely encounter two magnificent Buddhist monuments on your must-see list: the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Both structures represent the splendid Tang Dynasty architecture and carry profound historical and cultural significance. Yet, many travelers find themselves wondering: which one should I visit if time is limited? Or should I see both?

As an experienced Xi’an tour guide who has led countless visitors through these ancient structures, I’m here to provide you with a comprehensive comparison that will help you make an informed decision based on your interests and travel priorities.

The Historical Significance of Xi’an’s Wild Goose Pagodas

Xi’an, once known as Chang’an, served as China’s capital during 13 dynasties, most notably during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) when it was the world’s largest city. This was the golden age when Buddhism flourished throughout China, leaving behind architectural marvels that still stand today.

Both pagodas were built during this cultural renaissance, but each tells its own unique story within the larger narrative of Chinese Buddhism.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda: The Grand Buddhist Repository

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, also known as Dayan Pagoda (大雁塔), was originally constructed in 652 CE during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty. The pagoda was commissioned by the famous Buddhist monk Xuanzang (玄奘) upon his return from a 17-year pilgrimage to India.

Xuanzang’s journey, which later inspired the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” was undertaken to collect Buddhist scriptures. He returned with 657 Sanskrit texts which were stored, translated, and studied at the pagoda and its surrounding Da Ci’en Temple complex.

The name “Wild Goose” comes from a Buddhist legend. According to the story, when Buddhist monks in India faced food shortages, they prayed for help. A flock of wild geese flew overhead, and one fell to the ground as an offering. The monks, touched by this sacrifice, built a pagoda to commemorate the event.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda: The Hidden Gem

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, known locally as Xiaoyanta (小雁塔), was built in 707-709 CE during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong. While less imposing than its larger counterpart, this pagoda has its own significant place in history.

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda was constructed as part of the Jianfu Temple and served as another important center for translating Buddhist scriptures. It’s particularly associated with Yijing (義淨), another eminent monk who traveled to India via sea routes and brought back valuable Buddhist texts.

What’s particularly remarkable about the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is its survival. Despite suffering damage from numerous earthquakes throughout history, the pagoda has endured over 1,300 years, standing as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Chinese architecture.

Physical Characteristics: Comparing the Two Pagodas

The most obvious difference between these two landmarks lies in their physical dimensions and architectural details.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Imposing and Majestic

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda stands at 64 meters (210 feet) tall, making it a commanding presence on Xi’an’s skyline. This seven-story square brick structure displays the classic Tang Dynasty architectural style with its symmetrical design and graceful simplicity.

What many visitors don’t realize is that the pagoda we see today is not identical to the original structure. The initial building, completed in 652 CE, was only five stories tall. It collapsed just ten years later and was rebuilt by Emperor Gaozong as a seven-story structure. Further renovations occurred during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE), giving the pagoda its current appearance.

Inside, narrow spiral staircases allow visitors to climb to the top levels. Each floor features small windows that offer increasingly spectacular views of Xi’an. The pagoda’s exterior is adorned with stone carvings, inscriptions, and Buddhist statues that showcase the artistic excellence of the Tang Dynasty.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda: Elegant and Refined

In contrast, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda reaches a height of approximately 43 meters (141 feet) with 13 stories. Its more slender profile and delicate architectural elements create an impression of elegance and refinement.

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda features a distinctive “waist eave” design, where the upper stories slightly taper, creating a graceful silhouette. The brick exterior is simpler than that of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, with fewer decorative elements.

One fascinating feature of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is the visible crack that runs down part of its structure—the result of an earthquake in 1556. Rather than weakening the building, this crack actually helped the pagoda better absorb seismic activity in subsequent earthquakes, demonstrating the sophisticated engineering principles employed by ancient Chinese architects.

Visitor Experience: What to Expect at Each Site

Your experience at these two historic sites will differ significantly, which may influence your decision about which to visit.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A Cultural Complex

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda sits within the expansive Da Ci’en Temple complex, one of the most important Buddhist sites in China. Your visit here extends well beyond the pagoda itself to include:

• Da Ci’en Temple: A working Buddhist temple with multiple halls housing Buddhist statues and artifacts
• The Northern Square: Features the largest music fountain in Asia with impressive water shows
• The Tang Dynasty Culture Area: Showcases Tang Dynasty cultural elements and art forms
• Xuanzang Memorial Hall: Displays artifacts related to the monk’s historic journey

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the entire complex. The pagoda itself is open to climbers (for an additional fee), offering panoramic views of Xi’an from the upper levels.

During my visits with tour groups, I’ve noticed that the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area tends to be more crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. It’s also more commercialized, with numerous shops and restaurants catering to visitors.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda: Tranquil and Authentic

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda offers a markedly different atmosphere. Located within the Jianfu Temple complex, this site presents a more serene, contemplative environment. Your visit here will typically include:

• Jianfu Temple: A beautifully preserved Tang Dynasty temple with fewer crowds
• Xi’an Museum: Adjacent to the pagoda and houses an impressive collection of historical artifacts
• Garden Areas: Traditional Chinese gardens that create peaceful spaces for reflection

Most visitors spend 1-2 hours at this site. The pagoda interior has been closed to climbers in recent years for preservation purposes, but the exterior and surrounding grounds provide ample opportunities for photography and appreciation.

From my experience guiding visitors, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda often leaves a deeper impression on those seeking an authentic connection to history rather than a check-box tourist experience. The relative tranquility allows for a more profound engagement with the site’s cultural significance.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

When planning your visit, several practical factors might influence your decision.

Location and Transportation

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is located in the southern part of Xi’an, approximately 4 kilometers from the city center. It’s easily accessible by:

• Metro Line 3 (Dayanta Station)
• Public buses (routes 5, 19, 22, 27, 41, 500, 610)
• Taxi (approximately 20-30 RMB from the city center)

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is situated in the downtown area, closer to the city center. You can reach it by:

• Metro Line 2 (Nanshaomen Station, then a 15-minute walk)
• Public buses (routes 11, 12, 23, 32, 46)
• Taxi (approximately 15-20 RMB from the city center)

If you’re staying within the city walls, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda might be more convenient to visit, especially if you’re short on time.

Opening Hours and Entrance Fees

Big Wild Goose Pagoda:

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (March to November); 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (December to February)
• Entrance fee: 50 RMB for the temple complex; additional 30 RMB to climb the pagoda
• Music fountain shows: Free, typically performed several times daily

Small Wild Goose Pagoda:

• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
• Entrance fee: 50 RMB (includes access to Xi’an Museum)
• Note: The interior of the pagoda is not currently open to climbers

Best Time to Visit

Both pagodas are impressive year-round, but your experience may vary depending on when you visit.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather and are ideal for photography. The summer months (June to August) can be hot, but the Big Wild Goose Pagoda’s evening fountain shows are particularly spectacular during this time.

I’ve found that early mornings are best for avoiding crowds at either location. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is particularly beautiful at sunset, when its golden brick exterior catches the waning light.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance Today

Beyond their historical importance, both pagodas remain living cultural and spiritual centers in modern Xi’an.

Religious Activity and Atmosphere

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda continues to function as an active Buddhist site. The surrounding Da Ci’en Temple regularly hosts religious ceremonies, and you’ll often encounter monks and devotees practicing their faith. Incense burning and prayer are common activities for both locals and tourists.

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda’s religious activity is less prominent, as its focus has shifted more toward historical preservation and education through the adjacent Xi’an Museum. However, the temple buildings still maintain their spiritual atmosphere.

During festival times, particularly Chinese New Year and important Buddhist holidays, both sites come alive with special celebrations, lantern displays, and cultural performances.

Educational Value

For travelers interested in deepening their understanding of Chinese Buddhism and history, both pagodas offer valuable insights.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda complex features extensive informational displays about Xuanzang’s journey and the spread of Buddhism in China. Many exhibits include English translations, making them accessible to international visitors.

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, with its connection to the Xi’an Museum, provides a broader historical context. The museum houses over 130,000 cultural relics that span thousands of years of Chinese history, making it an excellent companion to your pagoda visit.

Which Pagoda Should You Choose?

After guiding countless visitors through both sites, I’ve developed some recommendations based on different traveler profiles and interests.

Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda if you:

• Are on your first trip to Xi’an and want to see the most iconic landmarks
• Enjoy comprehensive tourist facilities and attractions
• Want to climb a pagoda for city views
• Are interested in the story of Xuanzang and “Journey to the West”
• Have children who might enjoy the fountain shows
• Plan to spend half a day exploring a cultural complex

During my years as a guide, I’ve noticed that first-time visitors to China generally find the Big Wild Goose Pagoda more accessible and engaging, particularly if they have limited background knowledge of Chinese Buddhism.

Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda if you:

• Prefer less crowded, more authentic historical sites
• Are interested in Chinese architecture and earthquake-resistant design
• Want to combine your visit with the excellent Xi’an Museum
• Seek a more contemplative, peaceful atmosphere
• Are on a tighter schedule or staying in the city center
• Have already seen many major Buddhist sites in China

Photography enthusiasts often tell me they prefer the Small Wild Goose Pagoda for its elegant proportions and the way light plays across its ancient bricks, especially in the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon.

Consider visiting both if:

• You have at least two full days in Xi’an
• You’re particularly interested in Buddhist history and architecture
• You want to gain a deeper understanding of Tang Dynasty culture
• You appreciate the nuances that make similar structures unique

Many of my returning clients who visit both often comment that seeing the contrasts between the two pagodas enriches their understanding of Tang Dynasty architecture and the historical development of Buddhism in China.

Incorporating the Pagodas into Your Xi’an Itinerary

Xi’an offers numerous world-class attractions beyond these two pagodas. Here’s how you might incorporate them into your broader travel plans:

One-Day Xi’an Itinerary:

If you only have one day in Xi’an, I would recommend choosing either:

• Morning: Terracotta Warriors → Afternoon: Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Evening: Muslim Quarter
• Or Morning: City Wall → Afternoon: Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi’an Museum → Evening: Muslim Quarter

Two-Day Xi’an Itinerary:

• Day 1: Terracotta Warriors → Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Muslim Quarter
• Day 2: City Wall → Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi’an Museum → Bell and Drum Towers

Three-Day Xi’an Itinerary:

• Day 1: Terracotta Warriors → Huaqing Pool → Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Day 2: City Wall → Small Wild Goose Pagoda → Shaanxi History Museum
• Day 3: Bell and Drum Towers → Muslim Quarter → Han Yang Ling Mausoleum

Photography Tips for Pagoda Visitors

As someone who has photographed these pagodas in all seasons and lighting conditions, I’d like to share some tips for capturing their beauty:

Big Wild Goose Pagoda:

• The northern square provides excellent wide-angle shots of the entire complex
• Visit around 5-6 PM for the best natural lighting on the pagoda’s facade
• For unique shots, try photographing the pagoda reflected in the fountains or pools
• If climbing the pagoda, bring a zoom lens to capture cityscape details from above

Small Wild Goose Pagoda:

• The best angles are from the northeast corner of the complex
• Morning light (9-11 AM) brings out the texture of the ancient bricks
• Frame your shots with the surrounding trees and traditional architecture
• Look for details like the earthquake crack and weathered stone inscriptions

Personal Reflection: My Experience with Both Pagodas

Having guided visitors through these sites for years, I’ve developed a deep personal connection to both pagodas. Each visit reveals new details and deepens my appreciation for the cultural heritage they represent.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda impresses with its grandeur and historical significance. Standing at its base and looking up at its towering height, I’m always struck by the ambition and vision of the Tang Dynasty architects. Climbing its narrow stairs, touching the worn stones that have supported countless pilgrims and visitors over 1,300 years, creates a tangible connection to history that few other experiences can match.

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, however, holds a special place in my heart. Its survival through numerous earthquakes seems almost miraculous, a testament to the resilience of human creation in the face of natural forces. On quiet weekday mornings, when few other visitors are present, the atmosphere around this pagoda takes on an almost magical quality—birds singing in the ancient trees, the subtle smell of incense lingering in the air, and the weight of history hanging almost tangibly around you.

What I find most remarkable about both pagodas is how they continue to serve their original purpose as bridges between cultures. Just as they once housed texts that connected Indian and Chinese Buddhist traditions, today they connect modern visitors to the rich cultural heritage of ancient China.

Conclusion: Two Treasures, Different Experiences

The choice between the Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas ultimately depends on your personal interests, schedule constraints, and what kind of experience you seek in Xi’an.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda offers a more comprehensive cultural experience with its expansive grounds, active religious significance, and impressive scale. It’s a must-see landmark that has come to symbolize Xi’an itself.

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda provides a more intimate encounter with history in a tranquil setting, complemented by the excellent Xi’an Museum. Its elegant architecture and remarkable resilience tell a different but equally fascinating story.

Whichever pagoda you choose to visit—or if you’re fortunate enough to experience both—you’ll be connecting with one of the most significant periods in Chinese history and gaining insight into the cultural exchanges that shaped East Asian civilization.

As we often say in Xi’an: “To understand China’s past, you must visit Xi’an. To understand Xi’an’s soul, you must visit its pagodas.”

About the Author: This article was written by tour guide Linda fromTravel China With Me, who has been leading cultural tours throughout China for over three decades, with a special focus on the historical sites of Xi’an.