The Small Wild Goose Pagoda

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is one of two significant pagodas in the city of Xi'an, China, the site of the old Han and Tang capital Chang'an. The other notable pagoda is the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.The Small Wild Goose Pagoda was built between 707–709, during the Tang Dynasty under Emperor Zhongzong of Tang (r 705–710). The pagoda stood 45 m (147 ft) until the 1556 Shaanxi earthquake. The earthquake shook the pagoda and damaged it so that it now stands at a height of 43 m (141 ft) with fifteen levels of tiers.The pagoda has a brick frame built around a hollow interior, and its square base and shape reflect the building style of other pagodas from the era.

Inside the pagoda, a narrow wooden stairway winds its way to the top, requiring quite an effort by those making the ascent. Children and seniors with poor physical condition are not recommended to ascend. Additionally, it is hard for larger people to pass through the narrow stairway on the upper floors.

There is a small open platform on the top due to the missing two floors. Please be aware that it is very small, allowing only ten people at one time. For tourists successfully reaching the top, it is a special experience to have a bird’s eye view of the whole temple through the broken top. One can even see a panoramic view of the ancient city of Xian on clear days.

Yanta Tower Morning Bell

The Morning Bell Chime of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda has been known as one of the “Top Eight Scenes of Xian” since ancient times. "Yanta Tower Morning Bell", the 8000 kilogram iron bell made in 1192 (the 3rd year of the Jin Mingchang Era), is 3.55 meters high, its edge diameter is 2.5 meter. Since the Qing Kangxi Era, it has been regarded as one of "Guan zhong ba jing" (the 8 sights inside the pass) for the melody of the bell sound because the monks in the temple beat the bell according not only to the correct time, but also to the tune.