Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Small Wild Goose Pagoda (小雁塔; Xiǎoyàn Tǎ  in Chinese pinyin) is one of the two significant pagodas in ancient city Xi’an of Shaanxi Province. The other famous pagoda is the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda which is located three kilometers away from it. Built in A.D. 707 during the reign of  Emperor Zhongzong in Tang Dynasty, its appearance recalls right the architectural style of that historical period.

Presently, Small Wild Goose Pagoda stands in Jianfu Temple (荐福寺; a magnificent Buddhist architecture)one kilometer south of Xi’an. It was 45 meters in height with fifteen levels of tiers until the A.D.1555 Shaanxi earthquake which damaged the pagoda and reduced it to the current thirteen levels of tiers. The cone-shaped pagoda is made up of bricks with a hollow interior. You may climb up to its top by the wooden staircases. On the lintel of the door, you can also find some exquisite carvings from Tang Dynasty.

In Jianfu Temple there is a giant iron bell which weighs about 8,000 kilograms and is 3.55 meters in height. The bell was forged in Jin Dynasty and is preserved now in the Bell Tower beside Small Wild Goose Pagoda. During Qing Dynasty, you could hear the ringing of the bell every morning even ten miles away from the pagoda.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda opens from 9:00-16:00 every day except Tuesday when it’s closed. Admission fee is 20 yuan per person but if you want to climb the tower, another 30 yuan is required. Buses like 18 203 204 218 21 224 29 32 407 all go there. After your visit to this scenic spot, you can also have a chance to visit the nearby Shaanxi History Museum and the equally notable Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.