The Small Wild Goose Pagoda: Free and Peaceful The Big
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda: Free and Peaceful The Big Goose Pagoda gets all the attention. The Small Goose Pagoda (Xiaoyan Ta) is quieter, just as old, and completely free. Built in 707 AD, this 43‑meter pagoda survived a major earthquake in 1556 that cracked it down the middle. The crack is still visible. The pagoda sits inside the Xi’an Museum complex. Visit both. The museum has an excellent collection of Tang dynasty ceramics and a model of ancient Chang’an (old Xi’an). Entry to the pagoda grounds is free. Climbing the pagoda costs 30 RMB. Go in the late afternoon. The garden is lovely, and local elders practice tai chi under the trees. Metro: Nanshaomen Station (Line 2), walk 10 minutes.