Great Chinese Pagodas in Xian!

The Chinese Pagodas in Xian are magnificent examples of Pagodas.

Every Chinese Pagoda is different - in shape, in size and age.

Pagodas are buildings of the Buddhist religious faith.

Buddhism was introduced into China in the 1st century AD by visitors travelling along the Silk Road to Xian.

The stupa was a spherical structure originating in India to house Buddhist relics such as the sacred remains of Buddha or a saint.

Often they were part of a monastery.

However the Chinese also built them indepently to provide a beautiful structure worthy for a God.

Often they were built in a beautiful landscape to further beautify the Pagoda.

Chinese Pagoda Chengdu

The Chinese introduced their own culture and architecture to build many Chinese pagodas over hundreds of years.

They are of different shapes and sizes. This pagoda in Chengdu is tall but thin.

The Chinese Pagoda was used to store important Buddhist relics.

Because they were for Buddha, they were built as a glorious monument worthy of the God himself.

Consequently, they were built as magnificent buildings in their own right worthy of a God.

Chinese Pagoda Xian

The Pagoda exuded mystery and wealth and would have seemed as something powerful and quite special to the ordinary Chinese person.

There are many pagodas in China still today - of different shapes, sizes and styles.

This one in Xian is quite wide as well as tall, even allowing for earthquake damage over the years.

These Chinese Pagodas still look magnificent and show us how the Chinese revered Buddha and the religion.

Chinese Pagodas of Xian

There are two great surviving pagodas in Xian - the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda

This Pagoda is located as part of a large Buddhist Monastery and Temple.

This pagoda was built about 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty.

It is currently seven stories high.

During its long history it has been continually rebuilt as it was damaged during earthquakes and because of natural decay.

In fact, before the last major earthquake in 1556, it was ten stories high.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

When I was there last in October 2009, there were many tourists.

However, the grounds are spacious and so it was easy to get around and there were many interesting things to see apart from the pagoda such as the Buddhist Temple, Monastery and Buddhist ornaments.

However, I found climbing the pagoda a great experience!

The staircase is a modern wooden one and it is much like climbing a lighthouse.

There are seven levels with four viewing areas - north, south , east and west. You get a variety of great views of Xian at various heights.

The Little Wild Goose Pagoda

This Pagoda was built between 707 and 709 during the Tang Dynasty.

It was also used to house sacred Buddhist writings and relics that were bought along the Silk Road from India.

Upper levels of this pagoda also were destroyed in the 1556 earthquake but it still has about 15 levels.

In some ways I preferred the Little Wild Goose Pagoda to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

The are fewer people for a start!

The Pagoda is located in a large park which itself is interesting to walk around. There is a modern museum, a large lake and buildings and Buddhist relics such as a large bell.

The climb of the Pagoda is challenging but certainly not impossible. The staircase is narrow particularly near the top so you have to be pretty agile.

However the view from the top is worth it!

Unlike the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, you go outside at the top on a viewing platform. You get a great view of Xian.

Also the Little Wild Goose Pagoda is within walking distance from the Xian center.

Walk through the south gate of the wall, straight down the main road until you reach a major intersection. Turn left down Youyi Xilu and it is on your left about 300 meters down.

Return to the Chinese Pagodas Top of Page.

Return to Xian China.

Return to the Sichuan home page.

footer for chinese pagodas page