The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, also known as Dayan Pagoda, is a historic Buddhist pagoda situated in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China. It was originally built in 652 during the Tang dynasty as a place to collect Buddhist materials that were taken from India by the hierarch Xuanzang. Xuanzang studied Buddhism for over a decade in India, and upon his return, he advocated for the construction of a pagoda to store the scriptures and artifacts he had brought back. The structure was built with an original five stories; however, it was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and the number of stories increased to seven. The pagoda stands at a current height of 64 meters (210 feet) and has been restored several times throughout its history. It is made of brick and is an architectural marvel showcasing the skillful craftsmanship of the artisans of the time. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a symbol of the city of Xi'an and a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. The surrounding area includes a large square with gardens, a fountain, and several temples.
Historical Places (5)
Museums (1)
