China, Seen
Through Beauty
Documentary photograph by Alex Kwok, shared under CC BY-SA 3.0.Source / rightsWikimedia Commons · explicit-license

Xi'an City

Northwest · Shaanxi

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Brick from the Tang

A seven-story brick pagoda raised in 652 to house the sutras Xuanzang carried home

A seven-story brick tower built in 652 to store the scriptures Xuanzang brought back from India — austere, square-eaved, and standing in its rebuilt Tang form as the most recognizable silhouette in Xi'an.

  • brick silhouette
  • sutra library
  • square eaves
Spring

Petal drift over the temple courts

Spring blossom drifts through the temple courtyards; the brick face reads warmest against fresh green.

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012 · travel note

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Brick from the Tang

City anchorXi'an City

Best time
March-May and September-November for comfortable climbing and the best light on the brick.
Stay
Half day

A way throughDa Ci'en temple, the pagoda climb, then the north square and its Tang-themed sculpture line.

On the wayXi'an metro Line 3 and Line 4 both stop within a short walk of the temple.

With respectThe interior climb is steep and single-file in places: pack light, mind the low lintels, and give way to descending visitors at the landings.

The seven-story brick Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in warm evening light above the temple trees.Real scene

Seasonal experience

A clear late-afternoon visit

Climb the interior stairs before dusk

Enter the temple at the late-afternoon lull, climb the interior timber staircases to the top window, look west as the low sun turns the city brick-colored, then descend and walk the north square as the evening show begins.

Why now
The tower has survived earthquakes by leaning and settling, not by being perfect — the tilt is part of the reading.
Time needed
1.5 to 2 hours
Plan before you go
Climb tickets are separate from temple entry and limited per day; the north-square fountain show has fixed evening times — check the schedule.
Photo: Alex Kwok / Wikimedia Commons
Official tourismXi'an Municipal People's Government