Da Ci'en Temple:A Tang Dynasty Zen Paradise Where Xuanzang Translated Buddhist Scriptures Over a Millennium

Imperial Name—A Thousand-Year-Old Buddhist Temple Forged with Filial Piety
The Great Ci'en Temple was first built in the ninth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty(589 AD),initially named"Wulou Temple".In the twenty-second year of the Zhenguan era of Emperor Taizong of Tang(648 AD),Crown Prince Li Zhi,in memory of his mother,Empress Wende(née Changsun),rebuilt the temple on the site of the original abandoned Sui Dynasty temple and bestowed upon it the name"Ci'en".The temple,facing the Hanyuan Hall of the Daming Palace in the Tang Dynasty,covered an area of​​26,570 square meters at its peak,boasting 13 courtyards and 1,897 rooms,with multi-story buildings,halls,and meditation rooms,making it the most magnificent and splendid Buddhist temple in Chang'an,the capital of the Tang Dynasty.Famous painters such as Yan Liben,Yuchi Yiseng,and Wu Daozi painted numerous murals here,further enhancing its imposing and solemn atmosphere.

Xuanzang's Connection—The Birth of a Sacred Site for Translation
In the third year of the Yonghui era of the Tang Dynasty(652 AD),the Venerable Xuanzang petitioned Emperor Gaozong for permission to build the Great Wild Goose Pagoda in the western courtyard of the Great Ci'en Temple to house the scriptures,Buddhist statues,and relics he brought back from the Western Regions.Xuanzang presided over the temple's affairs for over ten years,overseeing the translation of Buddhist scriptures and founding the Yogacara school(also known as the Faxiang school or Ci'en school),one of the eight major schools of Han Chinese Buddhism.This made the Great Ci'en Temple the ancestral temple of the Yogacara school and one of the three major translation centers in Chang'an during the Tang Dynasty.After Xuanzang's death,the temple gradually fell into disrepair during the late Tang and Five Dynasties period due to natural disasters and wars.However,the temple today has been rebuilt on its original site,continuing its thousand-year-old tradition of incense offerings and cultural heritage.

>In-depth understanding:Explore more ancestral Buddhist temples >> [White Horse Temple] | [Shaolin Temple]

Humanistic craftsmanship—A living fossil of Tang Dynasty architecture
Every building in Da Ci'en Temple is a crystallization of Tang Dynasty Buddhist art and the wisdom of craftsmen.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda(Ci'en Temple Pagoda):A thousand-year-old pagoda's ascent
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the soul landmark of Da Ci'en Temple.Originally five stories high,it underwent several renovations,eventually settling on seven stories,reaching a height of 64.517 meters,with each side of the base approximately 25 meters long.The pagoda is constructed of blue bricks using a finely ground brickwork technique,making it exceptionally sturdy.Each floor has arched doorways on all four sides,and a spiral staircase inside allows for gradual ascent,with each floor offering a progressively wider view:The first floor offers close-up views of the Tang Dynasty stone inscriptionsPreface to the Sacred Teachings of the Great Tang TripitakaandRecord of the Preface to the Sacred Teachings of the Tripitaka—written by Emperor Taizong of Tang,recorded by Emperor Gaozong of Tang,and calligraphed by the calligrapher Chu Suiliang,considered a masterpiece of"two saints and three perfections";the third floor enshrines Buddhist relics;the fourth floor houses precious palm-leaf scriptures—Sanskrit scrolls inscribed on palm leaves,a script said to be decipherable by fewer than ten scholars worldwide today;reaching the seventh floor,the highest point,offers a 360-degree panoramic view of southern Xi'an,including the Qujiang New District and the Qinling Mountains.

Climbing Information:The staircases inside the tower are steep and narrow,requiring careful climbing.A separate ticket is required for climbing the tower(25 yuan per person during peak season).Flash photography is prohibited inside the tower.

Ancient Temple Complex:The Buddhist Order Along the Central Axis
The bell and drum towers stand opposite each other inside the temple gate.Along the central axis are the Mahavira Hall,Dharma Hall,Big Wild Goose Pagoda,and Xuanzang Sanzang Courtyard.A Ming Dynasty iron bell,cast in 1548(the 27th year of the Jiajing reign),weighs 30,000 jin(approximately 15,000 kg)and is over three meters tall.It is one of the famous"Eight Scenic Spots of Guanzhong"—the Morning Bell of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.The Mahavira Hall enshrines the Three Buddhas of the Three Worlds,flanked by eighteen Arhats.The murals depict Buddhist stories,creating a solemn and magnificent atmosphere.

Xuanzang Sanzang Courtyard:The Largest Xuanzang Memorial Hall in Modern Times
The Xuanzang Sanzang Courtyard is a Tang Dynasty-style architectural complex recently built by the temple.The hall enshrines the skull relic of Master Xuanzang and a bronze seated statue.The interior walls are covered with huge murals,using bronze,wood,and stone carvings to tell the legendary life of Master Xuanzang from birth and monastic life to his journey to the West to seek Buddhist scriptures and his return.It is the best place to admire the spirit of Xuanzang.

Photography Tips:
The best panoramic viewpoint is at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda,capturing both the pagoda and the musical fountain.The 6-meter-high bronze statue of Xuanzang at the South Square is ideal for photos of people posing with the pagoda.The free observation deck at"Charter Garden"on the 4th floor of Joy City offers a superb vantage point for photographing the Big Wild Goose Pagoda blending seamlessly with the city skyline.

Nature and Gardens–Zen in the Depths of Flowers and Trees
While the Da Ci'en Temple is renowned for its architectural masterpieces,its garden landscape is equally captivating.

Peony Pavilion:A City in Full Bloom
The Peony Pavilion within the temple grounds boasts over 70 varieties of precious peonies,famous throughout Chang'an for their early blooming,freshness,uniqueness,and abundance.Every March and April,when the peonies are in full bloom,purple,white,crimson,Yao Huang,and Wei Zi peonies compete for attention,their delicate beauty and fragrant scents creating a picturesque scene.The ancient pagoda and the profusion of flowers complement each other beautifully,attracting countless visitors to stop and admire the blossoms and take photos.

Tang Dynasty Da Ci'en Temple Relics Park:A Free Buddhist Themed Garden
Adjacent to the Da Ci'en Temple,the Tang Dynasty Da Ci'en Temple Relics Park is an open Buddhist themed garden built on the ruins of a Tang Dynasty royal temple.It is open to the public free of charge.The park features pavilions and towers in the Tang style,sculptures mostly related to Buddhism,shady trees,and a tranquil environment.It includes a ruins area,ancient pavilions and waterfalls,and an apricot grove teahouse,making it an ideal place to relax after visiting the Da Ci'en Temple.

North Square Musical Fountain:Asia's Largest Matrix Fountain
The North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda boasts Asia's largest matrix musical fountain,which is also free to enter.Daytime shows are at 12:00 and 16:00,and nighttime shows are at 19:00 and 21:00.When the lights come on,the fountain and the ancient pagoda create a dazzling spectacle,becoming a landmark of Xi'an's nighttime tourism.

Five Must-Do Activities to Unlock the Complete Ci'en Temple Experience
1.Climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Overlook a Thousand Years of Chang'an
Time:Recommended time to climb the pagoda is 9-10 AM or 3-4 PM to avoid the midday sun.
Experience:Climb each level,each offering a different view.From the seventh floor,you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of southern Xi'an,with distant views of the Qinling Mountains,experiencing the magnificent atmosphere described by Du Fu:"A lofty peak spans the sky,the fierce wind never ceases."
Ticket Price:A separate ticket is required to climb the pagoda(25 RMB in peak season,20 RMB in off-season).

2.Enjoy a Zen-like Experience of the"Morning Bell of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda"
Experience:Listen to the resounding of the 30,000-jin(15,000 kg)Ming Dynasty iron bell and feel the rhythm of the temple's"morning bell and evening drum."
Time:The bells are most solemn at dawn and dusk.For specific times,please consult the temple's reception hall.

3.Pay homage to the Xuanzang Sanzang Temple,and revere the relics and murals
Must-see highlights:Xuanzang's skull relic,a bronze seated statue,and a large-scale mural depicting his life.
Experience:Follow the murals to relive Xuanzang's arduous journey to the West to seek Buddhist scriptures,and offer sincere prayers before the skull relic.

4.Experience the millennium-old cultural heritage of inscribing names on the Wild Goose Pagoda
Cultural background:Starting from the Shenlong era of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang,newly appointed Jinshi(successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations)would inscribe their names at the foot of the Ci'en Pagoda,a practice known as"Inscribing Names on the Wild Goose Pagoda."Bai Juyi also inscribed his name here after passing the examinations at the age of 27.
Experience:The temple currently has 102 steles inscribed with"Inscribing Names on the Wild Goose Pagoda"from various dynasties.Feel the glory and poetic spirit of Tang Dynasty literati before these steles.

5.Enjoy the North Square Musical Fountain and the Night View of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Experience:The nighttime fountain show(7:00 PM,9:00 PM)lasts 15-20 minutes.Lights and water jets move rhythmically with the music,and the ancient pagoda is reflected in the water,creating a dreamlike scene.
Photography Tips:Arrive at the North Square 30 minutes early to secure a good spot facing the fountain.Use a slow shutter speed to capture the silky smooth effect of the water curtain.

Suggested Itinerary
Half-Day"Highlights"Tour(Suitable for those with limited time):
Arrive at 9:00 AM→Visit the Grand Hall of the Great Buddha and the Bell and Drum Towers(approx.40 minutes)→Visit the Xuanzang Tripitaka Hall(approx.30 minutes)→Climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda(approx.1 hour,recommended to avoid the midday peak)→Explore the South Square and photograph the bronze statue of Xuanzang(approx.20 minutes)→Lunch at Joy City or a nearby restaurant→In the afternoon,you can watch the North Square Musical Fountain(12:00 PM show)or continue exploring the surrounding attractions.

IntoTravelChina Tip:This itinerary is packed;we recommend purchasing tickets in advance through the official WeChat account to avoid queuing on-site.

Full-Day"Deep Immersion"Tour(Highly Recommended):
Day 1(Da Ci'en Temple and Surrounding Core Area):
Arrive at 8:30 AM→Deep tour of the core area of​​Da Ci'en Temple(Main Hall,Bell and Drum Towers,Xuanzang's Tripitaka Hall,Dharma Hall,approx.2.5 hours)→Climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda(approx.1.5 hours)→Lunch at a local restaurant→Afternoon visit to the Tang Dynasty Da Ci'en Temple Relics Park(free,approx.1 hour)→Evening visit to the 4th-floor observation deck of Joy City to photograph the sunset over the ancient pagoda→Watch the evening performance of the North Square Musical Fountain(7:00 PM or 9:00 PM)→Evening visit to the Tang Dynasty Never Sleeping City(free,best viewed from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM).

Day 2(Historical and Cultural Extension,Optional):Morning visit to Shaanxi History Museum(advance booking required,free)→Afternoon visit to Qujiang Pool Relics Park or Tang Paradise→Evening visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda again for panoramic views of the ancient city at sunset.

IntoTravelChina Advantages:We can book the most suitable accommodations for you,arrange all activity connections,and provide detailed tour maps and safety guidelines.

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How to Get There:Seamless Connection Guide
Da Ci'en Temple is located in the southern part of Xi'an's city center,making it extremely convenient to access.

From all over China:We recommend arriving in Xi'an by high-speed rail/airplane.Xi'an Xianyang International Airport:Take Metro Line 14 to"Beikezhan"(North Railway Station),then transfer to Metro Line 4 and get off at"Dayan Pagoda"(Big Wild Goose Pagoda Station).Xi'an North Railway Station(High-Speed​​Rail Station):Take Metro Line 4 directly to"Dayan Pagoda"(Big Wild Goose Pagoda Station).Xi'an Railway Station(Railway Station):Take Metro Line 4 directly to"Dayan Pagoda"(Big Wild Goose Pagoda Station).

From downtown Xi'an:Take Metro Line 3 or 4 to"Dayan Pagoda"(Big Wild Goose Pagoda Station),exit from Exit C(Southeast),and walk for about 5 minutes.Bus routes 5,19,21,and 22,etc.,stop at"Dayan Pagoda South Square"or"Dayan Pagoda North Square".

From surrounding attractions:Approximately a 20-minute drive from the Bell Tower,a 10-minute drive from the Shaanxi History Museum,and a 15-minute drive from the Tang Paradise.

Friendly Reminder:The area around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a popular tourist area in Xi'an.Traffic congestion is common during holidays,so taking the subway is strongly recommended.

Best Time to Visit
The Great Ci'en Temple is suitable for visiting year-round,but spring and autumn are the best seasons.

Golden Seasons in Spring and Autumn(March-May,September-November):Pleasant weather and best scenery.In spring,you can admire over 70 varieties of precious peonies blooming at the Peony Pavilion;in autumn,the ginkgo leaves turn golden,creating a picturesque scene of the ancient pagoda against the autumnal backdrop.

Summer Escape Season(June-August):Xi'an summers are hot,but the nighttime fountain at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda offers a cool and pleasant experience,perfect for an evening stroll.Be sure to take precautions against heatstroke and sunburn.

Tranquil Season in Winter(December-February):Fewer tourists,and the ancient pagoda in the snow has a unique charm.Off-season ticket prices are lower,but be sure to dress warmly.

Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours:
Peak Season(March 1st-October 31st):8:00-18:30(Ticket sales stop at 17:30)
Off-Season(November 1st-End of February of the following year):8:00-18:00(Ticket sales stop at 17:00)

Ticket Prices:
Da Ci'en Temple:Peak Season 40 RMB/person,Off-Season 30 RMB/person
Climbing the Big Wild Goose Pagoda:Peak Season 25 RMB/person,Off-Season 20 RMB/person
Combined Ticket Discount:Approximately 60 RMB(Temple+Pagoda Climb)

Free Admission Policy:Seniors over 65 years old,children under 1.2 meters tall,active military personnel,and disabled persons are admitted free of charge upon presentation of valid identification(a ticket is still required for pagoda climbing).

Half-Price Policy:Students receive a half-price discount upon presentation of valid identification.

Ticket Purchase Method:Tickets can be booked in advance through the WeChat official account"Da Ci'en Temple"or the"Shaanxi Cultural Tourism Benefits"mini-program.

Accommodation Options
Around the Scenic Area(Preferred):

Hotels around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda:High-end hotels such as Westin and Wyndham are within walking distance of the scenic area.Suitable for tourists seeking quality accommodations.

Boutique B&Bs in Qujiang New District:Diverse styles and rich cultural atmosphere,suitable for tourists who want to deeply experience Xi'an's history and culture.

Other Areas in the City(Flexible and Economical Options):
Bell Tower/South Gate Area:Convenient transportation and a wide variety of dining and shopping options,suitable for tourists planning to visit multiple core attractions in Xi'an.

Xiaozhai Area:Close to the Shaanxi History Museum,convenient subway transfers,and relatively high cost-performance.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Recommendations:
We strongly recommend planning your trip and booking accommodations at least 1-2 months in advance,especially during peak tourist season.Booking through us not only allows you to get real-time room availability but also enables you to package accommodations,tickets,and transportation,often resulting in bundled discounts.Tell us your budget and needs,and we will match you with the most suitable"Tang Dynasty Residence".>>[Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

The Da Ci'en Temple is not the end of the journey,but a perfect starting point for exploring the ancient capital of Xi'an and Chinese civilization.

Classic 3-Day Xi'an Loop:Da Ci'en Temple&Big Wild Goose Pagoda→Shaanxi History Museum(National Treasures of the Zhou,Qin,Han,and Tang Dynasties)→Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang(The Eighth Wonder of the World)→Xi'an City Wall(Cycling Through Time)→Muslim Quarter(Savoring Guanzhong Cuisine).This is a perfect journey that blends Buddhist culture,historical archaeology,and urban charm.

Northwest Grand Loop:Connecting Da Ci'en Temple with Mount Hua,Famen Temple,Yan'an,Hukou Waterfall,and other places,experiencing the magnificent China from Buddhist holy sites to Taoist mountains,from revolutionary sites to the spectacular Yellow River.

The story of Da Ci'en Temple is about the inheritance of filial piety,Xuanzang's spirit of seeking Buddhist scriptures,and the splendor of Tang Dynasty culture.IntoTravelChina focuses on creating in-depth,personalized,and worry-free travel experiences in China.Our travel experts can help you:

Tailor-made Itineraries:Design the perfect route including Da Ci'en Temple and surrounding attractions based on your interests and time.

One-stop Service:Handle tickets,unique accommodations,transportation,local guides,and activity bookings.

Exclusive Experiences:Arrange in-depth temple tours,guidance on the best time to climb the pagoda to avoid peak hours,immersive experiences of Tang Dynasty culture,and more.

Make your trip to Da Ci'en Temple more than just sightseeing;it's a cultural journey and spiritual pilgrimage that transcends a thousand years.

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