Dayan Pagoda-Dacien Temple Scenic Area

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Spot Introduction

The Dayan Pagoda-Dacien Temple Scenic Area is a significant Buddhist cultural heritage site in Xi’an City. The Dayan Pagoda, originally built in the third year of Tang Yonghui (652 AD), is a Buddhist scripture tower constructed under the auspices of Monk Xuanzang. Dacien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Chang’an during the Tang Dynasty, is now a nationally protected cultural relic.

The 64.5-meter-high Dayan Pagoda is a seven-story square tower built of bricks, representing the earliest and largest Tang Dynasty square brick pagoda in China. Its structure mimics wood, and each level features exquisite brick carvings and stone inscriptions, showcasing the superb architectural art of the Tang Dynasty. The pagoda houses numerous precious Buddhist artifacts, including Buddhist scriptures and statues brought back from India by Monk Xuanzang.

Dacien Temple, founded in the 22nd year of Tang Zhenguan (648 AD), was built by Emperor Gaozong of Tang in memory of his mother, Empress Wende. Covering an area of approximately 40,000 square meters, most of the existing buildings were rebuilt during the Ming and Qing dynasties while preserving the layout characteristics of the Tang Dynasty. The temple’s majestic buildings, such as the Main Hall, Sutra Pavilion, and Bell and Drum Towers, provide valuable physical evidence for studying Tang Dynasty Buddhist architecture.

As a prominent cultural landmark on the Silk Road, the Dayan Pagoda stands as a testament to the glorious history of cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries. Monk Xuanzang translated Buddhist scriptures and expounded Buddhist doctrines here, making Dacien Temple the center of Buddhist culture at that time. The inscription of “The Preface to the Holy Teachings of the Three Treasures of the Great Tang” inside the pagoda, penned by Emperor Taizong Li Shimin and inscribed by Chu Suiliang, is a significant artifact for studying Tang Dynasty calligraphy.

The Music Fountain Plaza within the scenic area, the largest music fountain in Asia, performs regularly every evening, seamlessly integrating modern technology with traditional culture.

Spot Introduction

In recent years, the scenic area has also added facilities such as the Buddhist Culture Museum and Xuanzang Cultural Square, providing visitors with a richer cultural experience.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is not only a landmark building in Xi’an, but also an important symbol of Chinese civilization. In 1961, it was announced by the State Council as one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. In 2014, it was listed as a site in the “Silk Road: Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor” on the World Heritage List.

Must-see Attractions

  1. Big Wild Goose Pagoda
  • Seven-story square pagoda
  • Climb the pagoda to enjoy the view
  • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
  1. Dacien Temple
  • Main Hall
  • Xuanzang Master’s Court
  • Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes
  1. Music Fountain Square
  • Asia’s largest fountain
  • Musical performances
  • Suggested viewing time: 45 minutes
  1. Buddhist History Museum
  • Cultural relics exhibition
  • Buddhist culture
  • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best touring route
  • Dacien Temple → Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Buddhist History Museum → Music Fountain
  • It is recommended to visit the temple before the pagoda.
  1. Visiting schedule
  • Visit the temple in the morning
  • Climb the pagoda in the afternoon
  • Watch the fountain in the evening
  1. Practical tips
  • Dress appropriately
  • Prepare small change
  • Bring a good camera

Transportation Guide

  • Subway: Line 3, Line 4, Big Wild Goose Pagoda Station
  • Bus: Route 6, 24, Tour 8
  • Self-drive: Navigate to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda scenic area
  • Sightseeing bus: Accessible via the City Wall Loop Line
  1. Defachang Dumplings
  2. Snacks on Huimin Street
  3. Yanta Road Food Street
  4. Tea restaurant

Special Reminders

  1. Respect Buddhism
  2. No smoking
  3. Dress neatly
  4. Keep quiet
  5. Fountain time
  6. Attention when climbing the pagoda
  7. Suitable for cultural tours
  8. Book tickets ahead of time.