14/40.- Xian, The Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Ta)
is located south of the city ramparts, about two and a half miles from downtown. Although you can also get here on public buses, I recommend taking a taxi.

This Pagoda is one of the symbols of Xian. It was built by Emperor Gaozong, from the Tang Dynasty, as a tribute to his dead mother, Empress Wende in 652 AD. And it is still nowadays a holy place for Chinese Buddhists.

After paying an entrance fee, visitors can get inside the pagoda and climb its seven storeys. From the top there is an excellent view of Xian City.

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