Daci'en Temple
Daci'en Temple, located in the southern part of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, is a historic Buddhist temple established in 648 AD during the Tang Dynasty by Emperor Gaozong in memory of his mother, Empress Wende. The temple is renowned for housing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Pagoda), which was built to store the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the famous monk Xuanzang. The temple complex showcases traditional Chinese architectural styles and offers insights into the rich cultural and religious history of ancient China.
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Dayanta Street, Yanta District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Daci'en Temple: Home of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Daci'en Temple, located in the southern part of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, is a historic Buddhist temple established in 648 AD during the Tang Dynasty by Emperor Gaozong in memory of his mother, Empress Wende. The temple is renowned for housing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Pagoda), which was built to store the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the famous monk Xuanzang. The temple complex showcases traditional Chinese architectural styles and offers insights into the rich cultural and religious history of ancient China.
What to See and Do
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Pagoda): The most prominent feature of the temple. This seven-story pagoda, originally built in 652 AD, is a symbol of Xi'an. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. It was built by Xuanzang to house the Buddhist sutras and relics he brought back from India.
Daci'en Temple Complex: Explore the various halls within the temple, including the Mahavira Hall (Daxiong Baodian) with its impressive Buddha statues, the Bell Tower, and the Drum Tower. The temple is an active place of worship, and you might observe monks and devotees performing rituals.
Xuanzang Memorial Hall: Dedicated to the monk Xuanzang, this hall displays his life story, his journey to India, and his contributions to Buddhism in China.
Musical Fountain Show: Located in the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Asia's largest musical fountain shows takes place nightly, combining water, light, and music in a spectacular display.
Gardens and Statues: The temple grounds are beautifully landscaped with gardens and statues, including a large statue of Xuanzang himself.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor exploration. The temple and pagoda are beautiful year-round. If you want to see the musical fountain show, visit in the evening.
How to Get There
Daci'en Temple and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda are centrally located. Take Metro Line 3 or 4 to Dayanta Station (大雁塔站). The temple entrance is a short walk from the station.
Travel Tips
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs if you ascend the pagoda.
Dress modestly: As a religious site, it's respectful to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
Arrive early for fountain show: The musical fountain show can attract large crowds, so arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Combine with Great Tang All Day Mall: The temple is at one end of the Great Tang All Day Mall, making it easy to visit both attractions together.
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Related attractions
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Music Fountain Square
Located at the foot of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Square is a renowned cultural and tourist destination. The square is divided into several sections: North Square: Known for its grand musical fountain, the North Square is one of the largest of its kind in Asia. The central axis features a main waterway, flanked by areas such as the Tang Poetry Garden, the Dharma Flower Terrace, and the Meditation Forest. The musical fountain performances, especially enchanting at night with illuminated displays, are a major attraction. BAIKE.BAIDU.COM East and West Pedestrian Streets: Situated on either side of the Daci'en Temple, these streets showcase sculptures depicting scenes from Tang Dynasty daily life, including "People Celebrating Longevity," "Shadow Puppet Theater," and "Street Music." The lifelike sculptures offer a glimpse into the prosperity and culture of the Tang era. The streets are also lined with shops selling various souvenirs and local crafts. VACATION.EZTRAVEL.COM.TW South Square: Located in front of the Daci'en Temple, the South Square emphasizes Buddhist culture, featuring a prominent statue of the monk Xuanzang. The area is complemented by gardens, water features, and bridges, making it a popular spot for relaxation among locals and tourists alike.
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Mount Hua, located in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province, China, is one of the country's Five Great Mountains and is renowned for its steep and perilous peaks. The mountain comprises five main peaks: North Peak (Cloud Terrace Peak), East Peak (Facing Sun Peak), South Peak (Landing Wild Goose Peak), West Peak (Lotus Flower Peak), and Middle Peak (Jade Maiden Peak). Each peak offers unique landscapes and has its own historical and cultural significance. Mount Hua is also a significant site in Taoist history, housing numerous temples and religious structures. The mountain's challenging trails, such as the "Plank Road in the Sky" and "Thousand-Foot Precipice," attract adventurers seeking thrilling experiences. The breathtaking scenery, combined with its rich cultural heritage, makes Mount Hua a must-visit destination for travelers.
Stele Forest Museum
The Stele Forest Museum, located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, is renowned for its extensive collection of ancient stone steles and sculptures. Established in 1087 during the Northern Song Dynasty, the museum was initially built to preserve the "Kaicheng Stone Classics" and the "Stone Tablet of Filial Piety." Over the centuries, the collection expanded, and in 1992, it was officially named the Stele Forest Museum due to the vast number of steles it houses. Today, the museum boasts nearly 3,000 steles, making it the largest collection in China. The exhibits span various dynasties, with a significant emphasis on pieces from the Tang Dynasty. Visitors can explore seven exhibition halls showcasing Chinese calligraphy, historical records, and stone sculptures, offering a profound insight into China's rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Shuyuanmen Cultural Street
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Daci'en Temple
Daci'en Temple, located in the southern part of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, is a historic Buddhist temple established in 648 AD during the Tang Dynasty by Emperor Gaozong in memory of his mother, Empress Wende. The temple is renowned for housing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Pagoda), which was built to store the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the famous monk Xuanzang. The temple complex showcases traditional Chinese architectural styles and offers insights into the rich cultural and religious history of ancient China.
