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There are two pagodas – the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda – Dayan Ta – was erected in Xi’an in the 7th century by the order Gaozu, the third emperor of Tang dynasty, for the purpose of Buddhist relics and manuscripts storage. The pagoda towers in the South part of Xi’an behind the city walls. The pagoda’s history is closely connected with the name of monk Xuanzang who brought the precious Buddhist rolls from India and translated them there in the pagoda.
Originally the pagoda consisted of five levels afterwards it was repeatedly expanded, reconstructed and grew. The pagoda consists of seven circles and its shape reminds a stepped pyramid. Its slightly truncated top part is crowned with a low thick spire. The entrance arches of the pagoda are decorated with the ornament consisting of Buddhist stories and stone plates with Buddhist texts carved in them.
You can even climb the stairs to the top to enjoy the view of the city and its vicinities.
Small Wild Goose Pagoda – Xiao Yan Ta - is located on the territory of Xianfu temple standing more than 40 m tall. Its shape reminds a truncated pyramid which also consists of several tires.
Erected in the 7th - 8th centuries, it is connected with the name of another Chinese traveler, I Ching. The pagoda stores the manuscripts brought by him. After the earthquake of 1555 the pagoda fractured but is still standing.
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