How much is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?

The temple entry is about $5.60–$7, with the pagoda climb extra. Budget conservatively and verify the live price on site.

Can you climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?

Yes, the pagoda climb is open except Mondays. The view over the southern city and the gardens is the reward.

Is there a fountain show at the pagoda?

Yes. The square north of the pagoda has a music fountain show in the evening; the surrounding parks and squares are free.

How long does the Big Wild Goose Pagoda take?

About 1.5–2 hours for the pagoda, the temple and the gardens. Pair it with the nearby Shaanxi History Museum.

How do I get to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?

It is about 5 km south of the Bell Tower; take metro Line 3 or 4 to the pagoda station, then walk to the square.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda Xi'an 2026: Tickets, Gardens & Shows

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a 1,300-year Tang pagoda south of the wall. Learn the $5.60–7 ticket, the climb and the fountain shows in 2026.

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China — Photo: tao-wang · Pexels License · source page · author

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a 1,300-year-old Tang pagoda built to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India. It stands south of the wall in gardens with a music fountain and evening light shows. The climb gives wide views.

Intro: why go

The pagoda was raised by the monk Xuanzang, the figure behind the Journey to the West legend. It is the symbol of southern Xi’an and pairs naturally with the Shaanxi History Museum next door. The square and gardens are free to roam.

Tickets & booking

Temple entry is about $5.60–$7, with the pagoda climb extra; verify the live price on site, as sources conflict. The climb is closed on Mondays. The square, fountains and gardens are free and need no ticket.

How to get there & in-site route

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda station, then a short walk north to the square.
The route that works: enter the temple, climb the pagoda for the view, then stroll the North Square fountain and the South Garden.
Pair it: walk 10 minutes to the Shaanxi History Museum if you hold a reservation.
The grounds are flat and stroller-friendly; ramps reach the main halls.

Facilities

Toilets and cafes sit around the square and the temple. Shade is limited in summer, so bring water. Card and Alipay both work; keep some cash for stalls.

Best season & seasonal pros and cons

Spring (Apr–May) & autumn (Sep–Oct): mild, best for the gardens and shows.
Summer (Jun–Aug): hot, but the evening fountain show is a cool break.
Winter (Dec–Feb): cold and quiet; the pagoda photos well against blue sky.
Holidays: May Day and National Day crowd the square; pick a weekday.

Tips & scams

Buy only at the official temple desk; touts near the gate sell nothing real.
The climb closes Mondays, so plan your week around it.
The surrounding squares are free, so never pay for “pagoda square” entry.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?: The temple entry is about $5.60–$7, with the pagoda climb extra. Budget conservatively and verify the live price on site.
Can you climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?: Yes, the pagoda climb is open except Mondays. The view over the southern city and the gardens is the reward.
Is there a fountain show at the pagoda?: Yes. The square north of the pagoda has a music fountain show in the evening; the surrounding parks and squares are free.
How long does the Big Wild Goose Pagoda take?: About 1.5–2 hours for the pagoda, the temple and the gardens. Pair it with the nearby Shaanxi History Museum.
How do I get to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?: It is about 5 km south of the Bell Tower; take metro Line 3 or 4 to the pagoda station, then walk to the square.

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18. Ticket seasons and crowd seasons are different things — this page states both where they differ.