Small Wild Goose Pagoda
A 7th-century Buddhist pagoda and its serene park, offering historical insights and a peaceful escape in Xi'an.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 7th-century Buddhist pagoda and its serene park, offering historical insights and a peaceful escape in Xi'an.
"A lovely place to visit with significant historical and cultural experience."
✅ Free Entry with ID
Show your passport (foreign nationals) or ID card (Chinese nationals) for free entry to the pagoda and park.
🌳 Stroll Through the Park
The park is as much a highlight as the pagoda itself. Enjoy the ancient trees and serene environment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Pagoda structure
A 7th-century marvel, this pagoda showcases the spread of Buddhism in China and its miraculous recovery from earthquakes.
Ancient Park Grounds
Adjacent park
Wander through a tranquil park with ancient trees, some over 800 years old, offering a peaceful escape.
Xi'an Museum
Within the park complex
Discover the history of Buddhism in China and the pagoda's resilience, included with your free entry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Entry
Explore the Serene Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ Free Entry with ID
Show your passport (foreign nationals) or ID card (Chinese nationals) for free entry to the pagoda and park.
🌳 Stroll Through the Park
The park is as much a highlight as the pagoda itself. Enjoy the ancient trees and serene environment.
Help me not overplan my way through China
Should i go Xi an?
🎶 Skip the Music Show
While available, the music show is not highly recommended by visitors. Focus on the historical aspects.
⏳ Book in Advance
Reservations are essential, especially during holidays. Your passport is your ticket for foreigners.
What to see in Xi'an?🤩
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Free Entry with ID
Show your passport (foreign nationals) or ID card (Chinese nationals) for free entry to the pagoda and park.
🌳 Stroll Through the Park
The park is as much a highlight as the pagoda itself. Enjoy the ancient trees and serene environment.
🎶 Skip the Music Show
While available, the music show is not highly recommended by visitors. Focus on the historical aspects.
⏳ Book in Advance
Reservations are essential, especially during holidays. Your passport is your ticket for foreigners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Small Wild Goose Pagoda for its historical significance and the beautiful, serene park it resides in. While the pagoda is currently under reconstruction, the free entry, included museum access, and ancient trees make it a worthwhile and peaceful stop in Xi'an. Some note that booking in advance is crucial.
"The Small Wild Goose Pagoda (小雁塔 - Xiǎoyàn tǎ) was built between 707 and 709 by order of Emperor Zhongzong as an addition to the Da Jianfu Si, or Great Temple of Sacrifice for Success. Originally, the pagoda was 45 meters high/15 stories, but during the 1556 Shaanxi earthquake (the deadliest earthquake ever, with 830,000 victims) two stories collapsed, leaving the pagoda at 43 meters tall. The pagoda is located in a beautiful park next to the Xi'an Museum and can therefore easily be combined with a visit there."
Koen
"Entrance tickets are free but need to be booked in advance. Includes entry to Xian Museum. The grounds are very pretty. You cannot enter the pagoda but can take pictures outside.
The Museum is small but has rather good exhibits."
Elaine Quek
"The building start to lights up around 6pm i think.. surrounding area is good for walking; they have trees lighted with poems, & fountain show with lights and music at the north square area which start around 7pm (need to secure spot early before it gets too crowded). Theres public toilet nearby the fountain show area"
Abil Za
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is located in the southern part of Xi'an. You can easily reach it by taxi or public transport, such as buses or the metro. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring other Xi'an attractions.
Yes, the pagoda is situated within a park and is generally accessible. The surrounding park offers pleasant walking paths.
For efficient travel between Xi'an's key sites like the Terracotta Warriors and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, consider using ride-sharing apps or local buses. The metro system is also expanding and can be useful.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda itself is free. However, you must book your visit in advance, and foreigners use their passports as entry tickets.
It's highly recommended to book your trip months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during summer holidays or national holidays.
Your free entry, secured with your ID, includes access to the pagoda grounds and the adjacent Xi'an Museum.
While general entry is free, there might be a fee for ringing the massive bell located in the center of the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the historic pagoda, explore the beautiful park with ancient trees, and visit the Xi'an Museum to learn about the history of Buddhism in China.
Currently, the pagoda is under reconstruction, and visitors can only view it from the outside.
Built in the 7th century, it's a significant site related to the spread of Buddhism into China during the Tang Dynasty and is part of a World Heritage Convention. +1
Absolutely! The park is described as beautiful and serene, featuring very old trees, some around 800 years old, offering a calm place for a relaxed time.
While entry is free, it's best to check the official booking platform for the most up-to-date opening hours, as these can vary and may require advance reservation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the immediate area around the pagoda might have limited dining options, the surrounding city of Xi'an offers a vast array of restaurants and street food stalls to explore.
Yes, visitors have mentioned enjoying drinks and snacks in the park, contributing to a pleasant experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the pagoda's architecture against the sky, the ancient trees in the park, and the serene atmosphere. The park offers many picturesque spots.
Visiting during weekday mornings can help you get clearer shots with fewer crowds, allowing for more creative angles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The serene park is a great place for kids to stretch their legs and explore. While the pagoda is currently under reconstruction and not climbable, the open space and ancient trees offer a pleasant environment for a family stroll. Consider bringing some snacks and drinks to enjoy in the park, as mentioned by other visitors.
🚶 Budget Travelers
This means you can experience a significant historical site and a beautiful park without any admission fees. The included access to the Xi'an Museum further enhances the value. Focus your spending on local transportation and perhaps some street food in the surrounding areas rather than on entry tickets.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pagoda's Resilience and History
Remarkably, the pagoda has survived numerous earthquakes over the centuries, undergoing destruction and miraculous recovery multiple times. This resilience is a testament to its construction and enduring spirit. While currently under reconstruction, its exterior still stands as a powerful symbol of history and perseverance.
Visitors can learn more about its past and the spread of Buddhism at the adjacent Xi'an Museum, which is included with your free entry. This offers a deeper understanding of the cultural context surrounding this ancient structure.
Exploring the Serene Park
Walking through the park allows you to appreciate the mature foliage and the calm atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, quiet contemplation, or simply enjoying nature. You might even find markings on the trees indicating their age, a fascinating detail for nature enthusiasts.
In the center of the park, you'll find a massive bell that visitors can ring for a fee. This adds a unique interactive element to the park experience. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to enjoy snacks and drinks while relaxing in this serene setting, making it a perfect place for a relaxed afternoon.
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