Small Wild Goose Pagoda

小雁塔

A 15-story Tang Dynasty pagoda with unique architectural features and a quieter, less crowded atmosphere than its larger counterpart. The surrounding Jianfu Temple complex offers historical Buddhist art and peaceful gardens.

Things to do

• Climb the Pagoda — Ascend the 15 stories of the Tang Dynasty tower via narrow internal staircases to reach the top for panoramic views of Xi'an and the temple grounds.
• Explore Jianfu Temple Complex — Wander through the restored Buddhist temple halls and courtyards surrounding the pagoda, featuring original architectural elements and quiet meditation spaces.
• Visit the Buddhist Art Museum — View Tang Dynasty Buddhist sculptures, stone tablets, and religious artifacts housed within the temple complex that illustrate the region's spiritual heritage.
• Stroll the Temple Gardens — Walk through landscaped courtyards with traditional plants, stone pathways, and inscribed stelae in a serene setting away from Xi'an's crowds.
• Photograph the Pagoda at Sunset — Capture the tower's distinctive silhouette and brick details as evening light illuminates the Tang architecture from the garden vantage points.
• Attend a Temple Service or Ceremony — Check for scheduled Buddhist ceremonies or seasonal festivals held at Jianfu Temple to experience living religious practice.

Food to try

• Biangbiang Noodles — Savor Xi'an's signature wide, hand-pulled wheat noodles served in spicy chili oil with local vegetables, available at small noodle shops near the pagoda entrance.
• Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger) — Try the local favorite of stewed pork with warming spices stuffed inside a crispy flatbread, sold by street vendors throughout the temple area.
• Buddhist Vegetarian Noodles — Sample temple-prepared meatless noodle dishes made with mushrooms, greens, and aromatic oils, reflecting the Buddhist dietary traditions of the site.
• Shaanxi Youtiao with Soy Milk — Enjoy fried dough sticks dipped in warm sweetened or savory soy milk as a popular breakfast eaten at nearby small eateries.
• Cold Sesame Noodles (Liangpi) — Refresh yourself with chilled wheat noodles tossed in sesame sauce and vinegar, perfect for warm days while exploring the gardens.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Religious Spaces — Remove shoes or wear shoe covers in active temple halls, speak quietly, and avoid pointing at religious statues or artwork as a sign of respect.
• Visit Early Morning for Solitude — Arrive before 9 AM to experience the pagoda and temple gardens with few visitors and observe monks conducting morning prayers and rituals.
• Learn the Pagoda's Seismic History — The structure famously survived earthquakes and has two distinct 'cracks' visible in its exterior—ask staff about the 1556 earthquake that shaped its current appearance.
• Purchase Incense Respectfully — If burning incense in the temple, buy it from official vendors and follow staff guidance on where and how to light it as an act of devotion.