Big Goose Pagoda aka: 大雁塔

Go at night. Every night (I think) they have a show with all the fountains and lights in front of the Pagoda. Its really beautiful, plus its interesting just to go to and be in that park before and during the show.

with the exception of one morning, it rained every day for 4 days in Xian. stayed at the garden hotel next to the pagoda; average hotel with great central garden

There is an amazing water / light show some nights of the week, I don’t know which. But be sure to go!

Big Goose Pagoda is a must see if you’re heading to Xi’an. I was there in early January and it was bitterly cold, but we persevered in our sight seeing and it was well worth it. Big Goose Pagoda was built in AD 652. The pagoda and surrounding buildings hold numerous Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the traveling monk, Xuan Zang. These texts were then translated into 1335 Chinese volumes, which are on display along with other precious manuals and works of art. The artwork throughout the monastery is eye-catching. Copper etched ceilings, stone and giant wood carvings depict ancient Buddhist gods and symbols. There are extensive grounds to walk through and I can only begin to imagine what this place must be like in spring and summer. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to return sometime in the next year.