Explore the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: A Journey Through Time

Explore the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: A Journey Through Time In Xi'an, a city steeped in history, there is a place that stands as a testament to the passage of time, quietly telling stories of the past. This place is the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. As you step into the Daci'en Temple, you are immediately enveloped by the tranquility and solemnity of the ancient temple, and the pagoda within shines brightly. In 648 AD, the Daci'en Temple was built in memory of Empress Zhangsun, and later, Master Xuanzang became its first abbot. This legendary figure, who traveled for 17 years and covered 50,000 miles to bring back Buddhist scriptures, returned with countless scrolls. To preserve these treasures, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was erected in 652 AD. The seven-story brick pagoda stands 64 meters tall, with a square pyramid shape, entirely made of blue bricks. The exquisite Buddha statues on the stone doors at the base of the pagoda seem to whisper of past devotions. The "Two Saints and Three Wonders" steles on either side of the south gate, inscribed by Emperor Taizong and Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, with calligraphy by Chu Suiliang, vividly record the great achievements of Master Xuanzang. As you ascend the steep wooden stairs, each arched doorway offers a perfect vantage point. From the top, you can see the modern prosperity and ancient charm of Xi'an city blending together. The majestic aura described by Du Fu in his poem, "The high standard crosses the sky, the fierce wind never stops," is palpable, evoking a sense of history's weight and depth. Inside the pagoda, the second floor houses a bronze gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, shining with the brilliance of the early Ming Dynasty; the fourth floor holds palm-leaf manuscripts, whose texts are difficult to decipher but carry ancient Buddhist wisdom. It is said that there is a mysterious underground palace, possibly containing treasures brought back by Xuanzang, adding an air of mystery to the pagoda. Behind the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is the Xuanzang Sanzang Courtyard, the largest Xuanzang memorial hall in the world. Here, you can find the top bone relics and bronze statue of Master Xuanzang, and the large murals inside the hall tell the story of his extraordinary life, worthy of reverent admiration by every visitor. The entrance fee to the Daci'en Temple is only CNY 30, and an additional CNY 25 allows you to climb the pagoda and embark on this fascinating journey through history. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a photography aficionado, or an ordinary tourist, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda offers a unique travel experience. Come to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an and witness the convergence of history and reality.