Da Ci'en Temple大慈恩寺
Da Ci'en Temple was the most celebrated royal monastery of Tang-dynasty Chang'an, built in 652 (Yonghui 3) under Master Xuanzang to house the scriptures he brought back from India. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda stands within its walls, a monument to his sutra translation and teaching.
Xi'an · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Da Ci'en Temple worth visiting?
A Tang-dynasty royal monastery built under Master Xuanzang and home to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Admission CNY 40; a memorial to the great monk.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Admission CNY 40; climbing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda costs an additional CNY 30 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 08:00-18:00 |
| Recommended duration | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Best time to visit | Spring (Apr-May) and autumn (Sep-Oct); on clear days the pagoda view is at its best |
| How to get there | Metro Line 3 or 4 to Dayanta Station Exit C, then about a 5-minute walk; buses 5, 21, 27 and 41 to Dayanta |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Built | Tang Yonghui 3 (652) |
| Builder | Master Xuanzang |
| Standing | One of the three great sutra-translation centers of Tang Chang'an |
| Part of | Giant Wild Goose Pagoda scenic area |
| Protection | National key cultural relic site |
| Area | About 47,000 sq m |
What to expect
Da Ci'en Temple, in southern Xi'an, was one of the most famous royal monasteries of Tang Chang'an. In 652 (Yonghui 3), Master Xuanzang built the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda here to preserve the scriptures he had carried back from India, then spent more than a decade translating them on this site, making the temple the birthplace of the Faxiang school of Chinese Buddhism.
The temple covers 47,000 sq m. In its Tang heyday its halls and pavilions sprawled grandly; the present buildings are mostly Ming-and-Qing reconstructions, though the pagoda retains its original Tang structure. Also on the grounds are the Xuanzang Memorial Hall and the Carp Pond.
See the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda first, then wander the rest of the precinct. An audio guide or docent brings the legend of Xuanzang's journey west to life. Quiet and tree-shaded, the temple is a rare pocket of calm in Xi'an's busy center.
How to get there
Metro Line 3 or 4 to Dayanta Station Exit C, then about a 5-minute walk. Buses 5, 21, 27 and 41 stop at Dayanta.
Best photo spots
- The pagoda framed with the temple halls
- The bronze statue of Xuanzang before the memorial hall
- The pagoda reflected in the Carp Pond
- Ancient trees against the pagoda
Tips
- Visit with an audio guide or docent
- After the temple, head to the North Square for the musical fountain
- Magnolias bloom in the temple grounds in spring — a lovely sight
Scams to avoid
- No major scam risks; the site is well managed
Frequently asked questions
How do Da Ci'en Temple and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda relate?
The pagoda stands inside the temple grounds — it is the temple's signature structure.
Is there a separate ticket for the pagoda?
Temple admission gets you to the pagoda; climbing it costs an extra CNY 30.
How long does a visit take?
About 1.5-2.5 hours.
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