The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, also known as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, is an iconic Buddhist pagoda located in the southern suburbs of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China. It stands as a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage, attracting countless visitors each year.
Historical Background
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was originally constructed in 652 during the Tang Dynasty under the reign of Emperor Gaozong. Its primary purpose was to house the Buddhist sutras and relics brought back from India by the renowned monk Xuanzang. Xuanzang's journey to India along the Silk Road, which took 17 years and covered 100 countries, resulted in the acquisition of 657 kinds of sutras and several Buddha relics. With the emperor's permission, Xuanzang supervised the construction of the pagoda within the Da Ci'en Temple complex.
The pagoda was initially built with five stories but was later reconstructed in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, adding two more stories. In 1556, a massive earthquake damaged the structure, reducing it to its current height of seven stories. The pagoda underwent extensive repairs during the Ming Dynasty and was renovated again in 1964.
Architectural Features
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. It is a brick structure with a square pavilion design, standing 64 meters (210 feet) tall. The pagoda's exterior is simple yet grand, reflecting the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. Inside, visitors can climb the twisting stairs to overlook the city from arch-shaped doors on each storey. The walls are adorned with fine statues of Buddha and steles by noted calligraphers.
Cultural Significance
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is not only a historical landmark but also a sacred place for Buddhists. It has been a key site for the translation and dissemination of Buddhist sutras. The pagoda and its surrounding temple complex, Da Ci'en Temple, are rich in Buddhist culture and history. The temple was built to commemorate the mother of Emperor Li Zhi and served as a major center for Buddhist translation and study.
Visitor Information
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is open daily, with an admission fee of CNY 30 for the pagoda and CNY 50 for entrance to Da Ci'en Temple. The recommended visit duration is 2-3 hours. Visitors can reach the site via bus or metro, with Line 3 and Line 4 stopping directly at Dayanta Station.
In summary, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a must-see attraction in Xi'an, offering a glimpse into the city's ancient past and its significant role in Buddhist history.
