Big Wild Goose Pagoda - Xian, China
Overview
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is an ancient building that was built during the Tang Dynasty Period in Chang'an, which is presently known as Xi'an. This pagoda is well-preserved and is considered a holy place for Buddhists. There are millions of visitors to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian each year, both Buddhists and tourists alike. This structure is rated as a National Cultural Relic Preserve and also as an AAAA Tourist Attraction. Those who are tourists to this area should make sure that they visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda as well as the other two structures that are associated, which are the Da Ci'en Temple and the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
History
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in the year of 652 A.D. during the rule of the Chinese Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty. In ancient times, this structure functioned to collect Buddhist materials taken from India by hierarch Xuanzang. When the Big Wild Goose Pagoda was originally constructed, it was sixty meters tall and included five stores.
The modern pagoda is now nearly five meters taller than it once was with an additional two stories. From the outside, this building looks squarish and cone-like, a structure type that is simple, but amazing all the same. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda can be considered a masterpiece of Buddhist construction style. The pagoda was built with brick, which can help to explain why it is one of the most well preserved ancient buildings in the world. Once inside this pagoda, you will find a staircase that will lead to an overlook in which you can see much of Xi'an city. Statues of Buddha are finely engraved on the walls throughout this structure. These engravings were done by the famous artist Yan Liben, who was part of the Tang Dynasty.
Legend
The name of this pagoda also comes from ancient times, of course. Stories of Buddhists tell that there is a legend behind the name 'Big Wild Goose Pagoda'. At one point, there were two branches of Buddhists and in one branch, eating meat was not a concern. A time came when the Buddhists who did not find it taboo to eat meat could not find any meat for consumption. After searching for meat for their dinners and having no luck, these Buddhists saw a group of big wild geese flying by them. As the Buddhists were watching the geese fly over, one had silently prayed to the Bodhisattva to be merciful and allow them to have meat for their dinner. At the moment this prayer was finished, the leading goose of the flock broke his wings and fell to the ground. The Buddhists who were witness to this saw it as a sign from the Bodhisattva to be more pious. These Buddhists then built the Big Wild Goose Pagoda at the site of the fallen goose.
The history behind this landmark structure is one of great interest to Buddhists and others as well. If you find yourself visiting the great city of Xi'an, you should not miss the opportunity to view this ancient structure. You will find that is nothing less than breathtaking, even in its simplicity.
Tips
1. There is a daily music fountain show at the North Square of the Big Pagoda which is the largest in Asia. In generally runs every 2 hours from 12.00pm though times do vary according to season. Its free
2. Entrance to the Pagoda itself is from the Southern Square
3. There is a plethora of quality restaurants at both the South and West squares.
4. The Pagoda is part of the new Qujiang Culture district and is nearby the both the Shaanxi History Museum and Tang Paradise
5. It is located south of Xian City and will cost around 15-20rmb in a taxi depending on traffic