Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Tang Dynasty Palace

 Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Standing in the southern suburb of Xian, Big Wild Goose Pagoda attracts millions of visitors and pilgrims every year. The majestic pagoda lies in Da Ci'en Temple, which was originally built in the Sui Dynasty (581-618). In 648, the crown prince Li Zhi ordered his people to rebuild the temple and then changed the name to 'Ci'en' (meaning 'Mercy and Kindness') in order to commemorate his mother.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 by the hierarch Xuanzang, is a seven-storey square tower. It is said that Xuanzang traveled along the Silk Road from Chang'an (now Xian) to India, where he learned and preached Buddhism. Seventeen years later he came back with many volumes of sutras, Buddha figures and relics. In order to preserve these treasures, Emperor Gaozong permitted him to build the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. At first, the pagoda was only five-stories, but during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian it increased to the current size. The Wild Goose Pagoda is now 64 meters (about 210 ft) high, with a square base of 45 meters (about 147.6 ft) long. Murals and steles preserved in the pagoda are treasures of Chinese art. Visitors can climb to the top via the stairs inside. Standing on the top floor, visitors can overlook the beautiful landscape of Xian as well as the marvelous scenery of South Hill.

What's more, the newly built North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda is also worth a visit. Holding the largest musical fountain in Asia, the square also contains a strong sense of Tang Dynasty culture. It combines well the past with modern life!

 Tang Dynasty Palace 

Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show played in Tang Dynasty Palace (Tang Yue Gong), which absorbed the best parts of previous dynasties, minority groups and even foreign countries, embodied the glory and flourish of Tang Dynasty (618-907). Now in Xian, visitors can enjoy the marvelous dance and music in the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show.

The performances are various, including:


Long Live the Emperor. This is an instrumental ensemble showing the grand welcome of officials when the emperor comes to the court. Traditional Chinese musical instruments such as the drum and Qing make the performance magnificent and exquisite.

The White Ramie Clothe Costume Dance. The white ramie is a discovery of Chinese in the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.) and it became very popular in the Tang Dynasty. Dancers wearing long sleeves which are made by ramie dance elegantly and beautifully.

Da Nuo Dance. This dance is a kind of sorcerer's dance originating from the Zhou Dynasty (C.1100-221 B.C.). People danced to pray for better fortune and safety from diseases during New Year's Eve every year.

Dance of Rainbow Skirt and Feather Garments. It is said that this is the most famous dance during the Tang Dynasty and was adopted by a dream of Emperor Xuanzong. He dreamed of a trip to the moon and watched many fairies dancing in the rainbow-like costumes. When he woke up, Emperor Xuanzong composed the music and his concubine, Yang Guifei, arranged the dance.

King Qin Break the Battle Array. This is another popular dance from the Tang Dynasty. The second emperor of the Tang Dynasty Li Shimin, who was titled King Qin before he got the throne, was a great general. The dance was used to praise King Qin's achievements and inspire the soldiers.

The Spring Oriole's Singing. The Pai Xiao solo was made by a royal musician to celebrate the enthronement of the emperor.

Dance to Song. The dance shows people's rejoicing on harvest season. The emperor and dignitaries join together with people to enjoy the event and bless them.

All the music and dances are well arranged and performed by professional dancers. Visitors can enjoy the exquisite dinner while appreciating the consummate music and dances.