Is the Small Wild Goose Pagoda better than the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?

It depends on your preference; the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is generally quieter and feels more authentic. While the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is larger and features a famous fountain show, the 'Small' version offers a more peaceful, garden-like atmosphere with fewer crowds.

Can I climb to the top of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda?

Yes, visitors can usually climb the pagoda for a small additional fee. Be aware that the stairs are very steep and narrow, reflecting its original 8th-century design, which may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues.

What is the best time of day for this walking route?

Morning is the best time to start, ideally around 9:00 AM. This allows you to enjoy the cool morning air in the Jianfu Temple gardens and ensures you have plenty of time to reach the City Wall before the afternoon heat.

Is the Xi'an Museum free?

Entry to the Xi'an Museum and the surrounding park is free, but you must register with your passport or ID. Note that special exhibitions or climbing the pagoda itself will require a paid ticket.

Is this walking route family-friendly?

Yes, the route is very family-friendly as it includes open park spaces and gardens where children can walk safely. The museum has many visual exhibits, and the City Wall at the end is a highlight for children, especially if you choose to rent bicycles nearby.

How far is the walk from the pagoda to the Changle Gate?

It is approximately 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) from the pagoda grounds to Changle Gate. While walkable in 45-50 minutes, many visitors prefer a short taxi or bus ride to save energy for walking the actual City Wall.

Are there places to eat along the route?

Yes, the area around Nanshaomen (near the start) has many local eateries and cafes. You will also find various snack vendors and restaurants near the East Gate area at the end of the walk.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back into the golden age of the Tang Dynasty with this self-guided walk through Xi'an’s Beilin District. While many travelers flock to the larger monuments, this walking route offers a more intimate encounter with China’s imperial history, focusing on the architectural elegance and spiritual resilience of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. This neighborhood stroll balances the curated excellence of a modern museum with the timeless tranquility of ancient temple grounds, providing a deep dive into the soul of old Chang'an. Your journey begins at the Xi'an Museum, where the very architecture of the building reflects ancient Chinese cosmology—the 'round heaven and square earth.' From here, the path leads to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a structure that has survived over 1,300 years and multiple devastating earthquakes. Unlike many restored monuments, this pagoda retains a weathered, authentic charm that speaks to its long history as a center for Buddhist sutra translation. As you explore the surrounding Jianfu Temple, you will experience the 'Morning Bell Chime,' a cultural hallmark of the region for centuries. The route concludes with a transition from the Tang era to the Ming Dynasty at the Changle Gate of the Xi'an City Wall. This walk is perfect for those who prefer to explore independently, away from the typical crowds, allowing for a contemplative pace through lush gardens and historic courtyards. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, this walking route provides a comprehensive look at how Xi'an has preserved its sky-high legacy across dynasties. Discover the stories of monks, emperors, and rebels on this essential walking tour Xian has to offer for those seeking a quieter, more profound experience.

Highlights

The 'Round Heaven and Square Earth' architecture of Xi'an Museum

The earthquake-defying structure of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Ancient Buddhist sutra translation history at Jianfu Temple

The legendary 'Morning Bell Chime' of the Guanzhong region

The imposing Ming Dynasty defenses at Changle Gate (East Gate)

Tour Stops (4)

Xi'an Museum

Begin your exploration at the Xi'an Museum, a modern masterpiece designed by the famous architect Xing Tonghe. The building itself is a tribute to ancient philosophy, featuring a circular roof on a square base to represent the traditional Chinese view of the universe. Inside, you will find a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of Xi'an when it was known as Chang'an, the capital of 13 dynasties. Pay close attention to the Tang Dynasty tri-colored glazed pottery and the intricate gold and silver wares. These items weren't just decorative; they were symbols of the cosmopolitan nature of the Silk Road's starting point. The museum serves as the perfect introduction to the architectural and cultural context of the pagoda you are about to see.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Standing before you is the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a marvel of Tang Dynasty engineering completed in 709 AD. Originally built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the monk Yi Jing, the pagoda once stood fifteen stories high. Today, it has thirteen stories, having lost its top two levels during a massive earthquake in 1556. One of the most fascinating legends about this structure is its 'miraculous healing.' Following several earthquakes, cracks in the pagoda were said to have closed up naturally, a phenomenon modern engineers attribute to the ingenious semi-spherical soil foundation that acts as a shock absorber. Its tiered eaves and slender silhouette offer a more delicate aesthetic compared to its 'Big' counterpart across town.

Jianfu Temple

The pagoda sits within the grounds of the Jianfu Temple, which was originally a royal residence before being converted into a Buddhist site to honor Emperor Gaozong. As you wander through the gardens, listen for the echo of the massive iron bell housed in the nearby pavilion. Cast in 1192 during the Jin Dynasty, this bell is the source of the 'Morning Bell Chime of the Pagoda,' one of the famous Eight Sights of the Guanzhong area. In ancient times, the rhythmic striking of this bell signaled the start of the day for the entire city. The temple grounds provide a serene escape from the modern city bustle, filled with ancient cypress trees that have witnessed centuries of prayer and meditation.

Xi'an Wall Changle Gate

To finish your walk, head east to the Changle Gate, also known as the East Gate of the Xi'an City Wall. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this gate is one of the four main portals to the city. Its name, 'Changle,' means 'Eternal Joy,' a sentiment expressed by the Ming Emperor for the people of the east. However, the gate has a turbulent history; it was here that the rebel leader Li Zicheng fought his way into the city, ending the Ming's local rule. Standing beneath the massive gate tower, you can see the contrast between the delicate Tang architecture of the pagoda you just left and the heavy, defensive military engineering of the Ming era. This is a perfect spot to climb up and view the city's modern skyline framed by ancient battlements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full walk typically takes 2 to 3 hours. This includes approximately 45 minutes at the Xi'an Museum, 1 hour within the pagoda and temple grounds, and 45 minutes to reach and explore the Changle Gate area.