Rising gracefully above the ancient city of Xi’an, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda stands as a striking symbol of China’s spiritual and architectural heritage. With its unique silhouette and storied past, this pagoda has captivated travelers and worshippers for centuries. Why does this remarkable structure matter so much in Chinese culture? More than just bricks and stone, it’s a gateway to understanding the Tang dynasty, Buddhism’s spread in China, and the enduring power of pilgrimage.
In this article, we’ll uncover the fascinating history of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, explore its deep cultural meaning, and reveal the stories it continues to inspire today. Curious to discover the secrets of this iconic landmark? Read on!
The Big Pagoda of Xi’an: A Timeless Beacon of China’s Spirit
Related Video
The city of Xi’an is famed as the home of the Terracotta Army and for being the start of the Silk Road. Yet, towering above its southern suburbs, a different marvel has watched over the city for more than 1,300 years: the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔, Dàyàn Tǎ). Often called simply the “Big Pagoda,” this monument seamlessly blends history, spirituality, and architectural genius. Understanding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda offers a window into Chinese civilization and the enduring power of cultural exchange.
Origin and Historical Significance
The Tang Dynasty and the Birth of the Pagoda
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was constructed in the year 652 AD during the early Tang dynasty, a golden age for Chinese art, culture, and international engagement. Emperor Gaozong commissioned its building within the grounds of Da Ci’en (Great Compassion) Temple, located about 4 kilometers south of the city’s wall.
Xuanzang and the Journey to the West
The pagoda’s creation is inseparable from one of China’s most celebrated monks, Xuanzang. Inspired by his years-long pilgrimage to India—the birthplace of Buddhism—he returned with a vast trove of Buddhist scriptures, relics, and sacred images. These treasures, brought back along the ancient Silk Road, became the foundation for Buddhist learning and translation in China. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was constructed to safely house these priceless texts and relics, transformed into a centerpoint of Buddhist scholarship.
Transformations Across Dynasties
The pagoda originally had five stories but was rebuilt and enlarged in 704 AD under the legendary Empress Wu Zetian to reach ten stories. Over centuries, earthquakes and repairs altered its profile; today, it stands seven stories (about 64 meters) tall. The structure has survived fires, wars, and time, retaining its unique square-based, brickwork Tang architectural style.
Cultural and Religious Symbolism
Meaning Behind the Name
The name “Big Wild Goose Pagoda” is rich with symbolism. “Wild goose” references a Buddhist legend: A group of monks, hungry and struggling to maintain their vegetarian vows, prayed for sustenance—a wild goose miraculously fell at their feet, interpreted as a sign to build the pagoda in humility and devotion.
The Pagoda in Buddhism
Pagodas have longstanding religious significance in East Asia. In Buddhist tradition, pagodas are both reliquaries (housing sacred objects or scriptures) and symbols of spiritual ascent. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, in particular, stands as a beacon of Buddhist faith, enlightenment, and the importance of knowledge transmission.
Integration within Chinese Society
The pagoda was more than an isolated temple structure. It connected Chinese communities to the wider world and served as a visible sign of Chang’an (ancient Xi’an)’s cosmopolitan, open spirit during its peak. Its silhouette has graced Chinese paintings, literature, and folk memory as a cultural landmark.
Architectural Marvel and Innovations
Blending Indian and Chinese Styles
Architecturally, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a testament to international influences. Its square, tiered design draws on Indian Buddhist stupa forms, while the use of brick and a pavilion-like superstructure reflect Tang-era Chinese ingenuity. The walls are thick—built to withstand time and the elements—and taper slightly as the pagoda rises, creating an optical elegance.
Inside the Pagoda
Climbing the interior’s steep, winding wooden stairs, visitors reach observation decks that offer sweeping views of Xi’an. Along the way, the walls are inset with inscriptions and carvings. Many of these are attributed to famous calligraphers, most notably the revered Tang monk and calligrapher Chu Suiliang, whose scripts adorn entryways.
The Pagoda in Tradition and Daily Life
Religious Events and Pilgrimages
As an active Buddhist temple complex, Da Ci’en Temple hosts regular prayers, chanting, and ceremonies. Even outside of major holidays, locals come to burn incense and pay respects. During great Buddhist festivals, the pagoda attracts both monks and laypeople for processions and teachings.
Modern-Day Gatherings and Celebrations
The plazas surrounding the Big Pagoda have become some of Xi’an’s liveliest urban spaces. The North Square boasts one of Asia’s largest musical fountains, attracting nightly crowds with spectacular water and light shows. The South Square leads into the Great Tang All Day Mall, a sprawling avenue of stores, entertainers, and Tang-themed activities that make the pagoda a hub for both spiritual and social gatherings.
Variations and Related Monuments
The “Small” Wild Goose Pagoda
In contrast to the grand Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an also houses the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built slightly later, with a more slender and delicate form. Both share similar purposes—to store translated Buddhist scriptures—but differ in scale and style, offering visitors a sense of the city’s diversity in Tang-era religious architecture.
Pagodas Across China
Pagodas became a common feature of Buddhist temple complexes throughout China, with each region shaping them according to local materials and tastes. Some are round, some multi-sided; some, like the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, remain powerfully square. Over time, the pagoda as a shape came to symbolize peace and blessing in Chinese culture.
Stories and Legends
The Goose that Fell from Heaven
Stories swirl around the pagoda’s intriguing name. Besides being linked to monks’ prayers, wild geese are also considered messengers between the mortal world and the divine in Chinese folklore—suggesting the pagoda’s lofty ambition to connect earth and heaven.
Xuanzang in Fiction and Fact
Xuanzang’s journey has inspired countless works of art, most famously the classic novel “Journey to the West,” known for its whimsical, mythical retelling. Here, the monk is accompanied by the mischievous Monkey King, Pigsy, and Sandy. The real Xuanzang, however, was a singularly dedicated scholar and translator, whose work inside the Big Pagoda left an indelible mark on Chinese Buddhism.
Visiting the Pagoda Today
Experiencing Xi’an’s Past and Present
For modern visitors, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a blend of ancient serenity and vibrant public life. You can witness monks chanting, spot local residents playing tai chi, and join tourists marveling at the centuries-old bricks. The climb up its winding staircases rewards you with panoramic views of Xi’an’s skyline—a striking contrast of ancient and contemporary.
Cultural Events and Festivals
The area plays host to cultural events year-round, from the Lantern Festival light displays to open-air concerts and art exhibitions. Traditional dragon and lion dances are sometimes performed on the surrounding squares, linking the city’s future with the echoes of its Tang dynasty splendor.
Fun Facts and Anecdotes
- World Heritage fame: The pagoda, along with the Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Fountain shows: The North Square musical fountain system is among the largest in Asia and forms a must-see spectacle each evening.
- Earthquake resistance: The pagoda’s ingenious brick-masonry construction allowed it to survive more than a dozen major earthquakes.
- Calligraphic treasures: Its doorways display some of the finest examples of Tang-era calligraphy, a treat for art lovers.
- Enduring city symbol: The pagoda is considered the emblem of Xi’an, appearing on city logos, local souvenirs, and even subway station names.
The Pagoda in Modern Chinese Culture
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda holds continued resonance for Chinese people. It connects modern China with its ancient roots, acting as a daily reminder of the nation’s openness to outside ideas—embodied by Xuanzang’s courageous journey and the translation of Buddhist wisdom.
Today, it delights not only pilgrims and scholars but families, young people, international tourists, and anyone seeking inspiration from the past. Artists, writers, and filmmakers revisit its image time and again to express themes of harmony, aspiration, and the search for enlightenment.
Conclusion
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is much more than a historic tower. It’s a living witness to centuries of spiritual devotion, cultural encounter, and architectural achievement. Whether you view it as a Buddhist reliquary, a masterpiece of Tang dynasty art, or simply as a powerful symbol of Xi’an, the pagoda invites everyone—locals and visitors alike—to pause, reflect, and appreciate China’s vast and profound heritage.
FAQ
What is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a seven-story brick pagoda built in 652 AD in Xi’an, China. It was designed to store Buddhist scriptures and relics brought from India by the monk Xuanzang and is now a symbol of Xi’an’s history and culture.
Why is it called the ‘Big Wild Goose Pagoda’?
The name comes from a legend in which hungry monks prayed for food, and a wild goose fell from the sky as a sign from the heavens, inspiring the pagoda’s construction in humility and gratitude. Wild geese are also auspicious symbols in Buddhism.
Who built the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?
The pagoda was built during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang dynasty, under the supervision of the monk Xuanzang, who used it to safeguard Buddhist texts he returned with from India.
How tall is the pagoda, and how many levels does it have?
Today, the pagoda is about 64 meters (210 feet) tall and has seven levels. It originally had five, was rebuilt to ten, and ultimately stabilized at its current height after several repairs.
What is inside the pagoda?
Inside, you’ll find steep wooden stairs connecting each tier, stone tablets with historic inscriptions, and walls that once housed Buddhist scriptures and statues. The upper floors offer panoramic views of Xi’an.
Can you visit and climb the pagoda?
Yes, visitors are welcome to enter the pagoda and climb to its upper floors during opening hours. The surrounding Da Ci’en Temple complex and squares are also open to the public.
Are there other pagodas like this in China?
Yes, China is home to many pagodas from different eras, such as the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an. However, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is among the most famous for its history and well-preserved Tang dynasty architecture.
What festivals or events occur at the pagoda?
Major Buddhist festivals such as Vesak (the Buddha’s birthday) are celebrated with chanting and processions. The public squares also host fountain shows, cultural performances, and festive light displays at various times of the year.
Why is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda culturally important?
It represents the exchange between China and India, the translation of Buddhist thought, and the Tang dynasty’s openness and cosmopolitan spirit. It is also a symbol of knowledge, peace, and the enduring value of seeking wisdom.
How do I get to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an?
The pagoda is easily accessible by public transport, taxi, or even on foot from central Xi’an. It’s situated about 4 kilometers south of the city center in the Yanta District, adjacent to major city landmarks and amenities.
