How is it different from the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?

It is smaller, quieter and less crowded, set in gardens beside the Xi'an Museum. The Big Pagoda has the climb and the shows.

How do I get to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda?

It is about 4 km south of the Bell Tower. Take metro Line 2 to Nanshaomen, then walk, or a short taxi ride.

How long does the Small Wild Goose Pagoda take?

About 1–1.5 hours for the pagoda, the museum and the gardens. It is a calm half-day near the city.

Why does the pagoda lean?

It survived the 1556 earthquake with a lean, which it still keeps. The crack that split it has closed over the centuries.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda Xi'an 2026: Free Entry & Quiet Gardens

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a quieter Tang pagoda by the Xi'an Museum. Learn the free entry, the reservation and how to visit in 2026.

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an — Photo: 231595584 · Pexels License · source page · author

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a quieter Tang pagoda beside the Xi’an Museum, set in gardens a short ride south of the wall. It survived a 1556 earthquake with a famous lean. For foreign visitors it is the calm alternative to the busy Big Pagoda.

Intro: why go

Built in the 8th century, the pagoda holds the quiet end of the city’s Tang story. The gardens, the museum and the lean of the tower make a relaxed visit. It is free and far less crowded than its famous sibling.

Tickets & booking

The park and the Xi’an Museum are free, with a reservation recommended. Verify the live rule on site, as it can change by season. No ticket is needed for the outer gardens.

How to get there & in-site route

Metro: Line 2 to Nanshaomen, then a 10-minute walk to the pagoda and museum.
The route that works: enter the gardens, see the pagoda and its lean, then the Xi’an Museum halls.
On foot: the grounds are flat and stroller-friendly; ramps reach the museum.
Allow 1–1.5 hours; the museum is air-conditioned in summer.

Facilities

Toilets and a cafe are inside. Shade is limited in the gardens, so bring water. Card and Alipay both work; keep some cash for the stalls outside.

Best season & seasonal pros and cons

Spring (Apr–May) & autumn (Sep–Oct): the gardens bloom and the weather is mild.
Summer (Jun–Aug): hot; the museum offers a cool break.
Winter (Dec–Feb): cold but quiet, with great photos of the lean.
Holidays: far calmer than the Big Pagoda; still pick a weekday.

Tips & scams

Reserve ahead if required; walk-ups can be turned away at peak.
The outer gardens are free, so don’t pay for “pagoda park” entry.
Bring the passport if a reservation is asked at the museum desk.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Small Wild Goose Pagoda free?: The park and the Xi'an Museum are free, with a reservation recommended. Verify the live rule on site, as it can change.
How is it different from the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?: It is smaller, quieter and less crowded, set in gardens beside the Xi'an Museum. The Big Pagoda has the climb and the shows.
How do I get to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda?: It is about 4 km south of the Bell Tower. Take metro Line 2 to Nanshaomen, then walk, or a short taxi ride.
How long does the Small Wild Goose Pagoda take?: About 1–1.5 hours for the pagoda, the museum and the gardens. It is a calm half-day near the city.
Why does the pagoda lean?: It survived the 1556 earthquake with a lean, which it still keeps. The crack that split it has closed over the centuries.

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