Small Wild Goose Pagoda小雁塔
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda stands in Jianfu Temple in Beilin District, first built in the Tang Jinglong era (707-710) — a key surviving Buddhist structure of Tang Chang'an. The 43 m, fifteen-tier dense-eave brick tower is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda's quieter, more rustic sister.
Xi'an · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Small Wild Goose Pagoda worth visiting?
Tang-dynasty brick pagoda in Xi'an built 707-710 and rising 43 m over 15 tiers; free with reservation, tower climb 30 yuan, open 9:00-17:00 and closed Tuesdays.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Free (reserve ahead on the official mini-program); tower climb ¥30 extra |
|---|---|
| Hours | 09:00-17:00, last entry 16:30. Closed Tuesdays (except public holidays) |
| Recommended duration | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time to visit | Spring (Mar-May) and crisp autumn days — climb the tower for the view in fine weather |
| How to get there | Metro Line 2 or 5 to Nanshaomen Station, then about 10 minutes on foot. Buses 18/21/29/32 to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda stop |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Dynasty | Tang (707-710) |
| Height | 43 m |
| Tiers | Fifteen (thirteen survive) |
| Type | Dense-eave brick pagoda |
| Temple | Jianfu Temple |
| Heritage status | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
What to expect
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda sits in Jianfu Temple at 72 Youyi West Road in southern Xi'an and, like the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, is a key surviving piece of Buddhist Chang'an. Built during Emperor Zhongzong's Jinglong era, it originally had fifteen tiers (thirteen survive) and is a textbook dense-eave brick pagoda — slender and graceful beside its grander sibling.
The pagoda has lived through several earthquakes and, legend says, split open three times and healed itself — the 'miraculous reunion' story still told today. The carved stone lintels at the base are fluid and well preserved. Jianfu Temple also keeps a great bell cast in the Jin Dynasty that sets off the pagoda.
A visit here is about quiet ancient atmosphere rather than the commercial buzz around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The temple grounds are leafy and a favorite morning-exercise spot for locals; old trees tower over the pagoda and the Jin-era bell hangs in the bell tower. Come early to beat the crowds.
How to get there
Metro Line 2 to Nanshaomen Station Exit A, then about 10 minutes west on foot. Buses 18, 21, 29, 32 and 46 to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda stop.
Best photo spots
- The pagoda framed by ancient trees (magnolia blossom in spring)
- The Jin-dynasty bell in Jianfu Temple's bell tower
- Small Wild Goose Pagoda together with the Xi'an Museum
- Close-up of the carved stone lintel at the base
Tips
- Free but reservation required — book 1-2 days ahead in peak season
- Pair it with the adjacent Xi'an Museum — reserve the museum first, then the pagoda
- Plum blossoms and magnolias bloom in the temple each March — the best photo season
- Ringing the bell costs an extra ¥10 per strike
Scams to avoid
- No notable scam risk; the site is well managed
- If an unlicensed guide insists on guiding you, decline and tour on your own
Frequently asked questions
Small Wild Goose or Big Wild Goose Pagoda?
Different styles: the Small is quiet, rustic and free; the Big is grand and ticketed. With time to spare, see both; short on time, prioritize the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Is tower climbing capacity-controlled?
Yes — 20 people per batch, with a queue of roughly 15-30 minutes. Go early.
Do I need a guide?
Rent the audio guide (¥20) or use the official app instead of informal guides.
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