Xi'an, Sha'anxi Province, China

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda stands in what was the Temple of Great Maternal Grace. It was built around 648 by Emperor Gao Zong (the third emperor of the Tang dynasty) when he was still crown prince, in memory of his deceased mother. The building that stands there now dates from the Qing dynasty. It was built in 652 with only five stories, but has been renovated, restored and added to many times. It was built to house the Buddhist scriptures. It rises 64 meters and you are allowed to climb to the top for a modest fee. We went to the top and the view was marvelous.