Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Small Wild Goose Pagoda, is one of the two iconic buildings in Xi'an, the ancient capital city in Han and Tang Dynasty (with the other being the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda about 1.9 miles away). Located about two kilometers (about 1.2 miles) to the south of the city wall, the Pagoda is a dainty Buddhist heritage of architecture and important cultural relic.

Built in 707 A.D during Tang Dynasty, the Pagoda initially served as a center for Buddhist text translation. It has now become part of the Jianfo Temple, built earlier in 684 A.D. The brick Pagoda, decorated with multi eaves in an exquisite shape of spindle, stands intact for centuries after over 70 earthquakes, except for that in 1555 during Ming Dynasty, the pinnacle and the top two stories of the fifteen stories were destroyed and the Pagoda reduced to 43.4 meters from around 45 meters (about 49 yards).

Located along with the Pagoda in the Jianfo Temple is a giant iron bell, measuring around 3.5 meters in height and 10 tons in weight. It chimes every morning and the sound can be heard miles away. The Pagoda and the bell, known as "the Morning Bell Chimes of the Pagoda", are considered as one of the eight major scenic spots in Guanzhong, an area around Weihe River Basin, approximately central Shaanxi Province.

The Xi'an Museum is also within the Pagoda's scenic area, where there are a collection of over 2,000 precious historical relics like Buddhist items, paintings and calligraphies and jades on display. In brief, the Pagoda is a quite place for relaxation, for few visitors go there. The elderly practice Tai Ji Chuan, or stroll around, or play qin, a Chinese traditional musical instrument, in the morning. A combined ticket for the temple and museum is free, but visitors are charged to climb up the Pagoda. It is worthwhile trying.