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Asia China Xi'an Do & See Dayan Pagoda / 大雁塔

Overview

Dayan Pagoda / 大雁塔

The guide was updated: 2022-12-09

Built initially by the Tang Emperor to honour his mother, the Da Ci'en Temple is the place where millions of historical rarities are housed. According to legend, all the Buddhist holy books were stored and translated after eminent monk Xuanzang returned from the journey to seek the scriptures. Inside the temple stands the Dayan Pagoda (also known as Giant Wild Goose Pagoda), constructed in the 7th century by China's first woman leader, Empress Wu Zetian.

Useful Information

Address: 1 Ci'en Lu, Yanta District, Xi'an
Opening hours: 9h - 17h
Phone: +86 29 8552 7958

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Dayan Pagoda / 大雁塔

Dayan Pagoda / 大雁塔

Built initially by the Tang Emperor to honour his mother, the Da Ci'en Temple is the place where millions of historical rarities are housed. According to legend, all the Buddhist holy books were stored and translated after eminent monk Xuanzang returned from the journey to seek the scriptures. Inside the temple stands the Dayan Pagoda (also known as Giant Wild Goose Pagoda), constructed in the 7th century by China's first woman leader, Empress Wu Zetian.

Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum / 秦始皇兵马俑博物馆

Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum / 秦始皇兵马俑博物馆

This is the one attraction that has captured the imagination of visitors both from inside and outside the country. China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, whose greater-than-life ambition also gave birth to the creation of the Great Wall, amassed battalions of life-sized warriors fashioned out of clay, complete with chariots and horses. Each soldier has a different and unique facial expression. Even after more than 2,200 years (it was finished in 210 BC), the warriors remain in perfect condition, watching over their long deceased ruler.

Xiaoyan Pagoda / 小雁塔

Xiaoyan Pagoda / 小雁塔

Xiaoyan Pagoda (Small Wild Goose) is lower than the Dayan (Giant Wild Goose) Pagoda. However, it contains more floors. Like its larger counterpart, it was built around 700 AD, and its primary purpose was to hold the holy Buddhist scriptures carried to China. In the neighbourhood of the pagoda, the Shaanxi Museum is home to many treasures in the province.

Huashan Mountain / 华山

Huashan Mountain / 华山

As one of the most famous mountains in China, Hua Mountain is considered sacred to the Taoist religion. It is a strenuous climb, but there is a ropeway that gives visitors headed to the mountain as an easier option. The breathtaking views at the top with clouds floating on the mountains worth your effort. Although 120 kilometres away from the city of Xi'an, it is absolutely worth visiting.

Ancient City Wall / 古城墙

Ancient City Wall / 古城墙

The well-preserved city wall, which is almost 12 km long, has stood for more than 600 years and are still a great way to navigate around the city. You can cycle or take a walk around the city wall built in traditional style. Locals like to say that they can still hear the sounds of wars and soldiers' cries lingering around, reminding them of those past glories.

Zhonglou Tower / 钟楼

Zhonglou Tower / 钟楼

This 14th-century bell tower is possibly the best-preserved one in China. In ancient times, guards stood and observed the surrounding countryside to prevent invasions. Today it remains no less important, marking the geographical centre of the city.

Gulou Tower / 鼓楼

Gulou Tower / 鼓楼

This ancient drum tower holds a total of 24 drums, which corresponds to the 24 solar terms that the Chinese used back then to mark time. Not a single iron nail had been used in the erection of this grand structure while first built in the 14th century and reconstructed 300 years later. At the top of the tower, you can enjoy both a panorama of the entire city and drum shows every other hour.

Huaqing Hot Spring / 华清池

Huaqing Hot Spring / 华清池

Located adjacent to Mausoleum of The First Qin Emperor and Lishan National Forest Park, the water of this hot spring contains many minerals that are said to be good for the skin. It is said that the most famous imperial concubine of the Tang Dynasty, Yang Yu Huan, one of the four famous beauties of ancient China, chose this as her bathing ground.

Qing Long Temple / 青龙寺

Qing Long Temple / 青龙寺

Known as the Temple of the Green Dragon, Japanese monks came to study Buddhism in the 9th century and left a legacy here. The annual cherry blossom festival is held here in March and April, basking the surroundings in a mesmerising sea of soft pink flowers.

Great Mosque / 清真大寺

Great Mosque / 清真大寺

The Great Mosque is one of the largest, oldest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China. A trip is worth for its centuries-old history, and also for its particular design of mixed architecture with traditional Muslim and Chinese styles.

Shaanxi History Museum / 陕西历史博物馆

Shaanxi History Museum / 陕西历史博物馆

If you enjoy exploring museums, this is the right place to fulfil knowledge about the ancient Chinese empire which had situated in this region. Take a trip through the region's and city's ancient history at this huge museum, which demonstrates four original terracotta soldiers.

Temple of the Eight Immortals / 八仙庵

Temple of the Eight Immortals / 八仙庵

Xi'an's largest Taoist temple dates back to the Song dynasty and is still an active place of worship. Supposedly built on the site of an ancient wine shop, it was constructed to protect against subterranean divine thunder. Scenes from Taoist mythology are painted around the courtyard. Empress Cixi, the mother of the last emperor, stayed here in 1901 after fleeing Beijing during the Boxer Rebellion.

Muslim Quarter / 回民街

Muslim Quarter / 回民街

China's Muslim population has been firmly established in Xi'an for centuries, and the Muslim Quarter of the city extends north from the Drum Tower over small alleys and backstreets, which feature halal butcher shops, small mosques, food markets and shops selling typical wares.

Gao's Grand Courtyard / 高家大院

Gao's Grand Courtyard / 高家大院

This historic house belonged to an affluent family back in the day so you can see how they lived and how they used each section of the house. You can also enjoy the varied artistic experience here including shadow play, paper cutting and painting. During shadow play talks, you can learn more about traditional Chinese tale.

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