Small Wild Goose Pagoda 小雁塔
- Built in 709
- Pagoda 43 meters tall
- Holds sutras and images brought back from India
- Attached to the remains of Jianfu Si Temple
- Damaged by earthquakes in 1487 and 1556
Xian's Small Wild Goose Pagoda was built in the Tang Dynasty between 707-709 on the grounds of the Jianfu Si Temple. The original temple was built to honor the Emperor Gao Zong.
The temple stores Buddhist sutras and scriptures brought from India to Xian on the Silk Road by the pilgrim Yiqing to be translated here. The brick used in the construction of the pagoda was a protection against fire.
Earthquake Damage
The pagoda is smaller than the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the damage to the top of the pagoda caused by an earthquake in 1556 is still clearly visible, especially if you pay to ascend to the top via the narrow wooden stairs for a close-up view.
Originally, the pagoda had 15 storeys and stood 45 meters in height.
Xi'an lies in an earthquake-prone area and the pagoda has survived a number of earthquakes. The circular base of packed stress is believed to be a design features to spread the force of the tremor.
The pagoda is now set in a pleasant, small park, southeast of the South East City Gate.
Small Wild Goose Pagoda Access
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is west of Nanshaomen Station on the Xian subway.
Alternatively, take bus #610 from the Bell Tower or bus #203 from the South Gate of the Xian City Walls.
Hours: 9 am-6 pm March 15-October 31; 9 am-5.30 pm November 1-March 14. Ticket sales cease an hour before closing time.
Tel: 029 8525 3455
Xian Attractions
Other attractions in Xian include the Terracotta Army, Xian Bell Tower, Xian Drum Tower, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Great Mosque, the Muslim Quarter, Louguantai, Shaanxi History Museum and Xian City Walls.
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