I. Overview
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, also known as the Ci’en Temple Pagoda, is located within the Great Ci’en Temple in the former Jinchangfang district of Tang-era Chang’an (now the southern part of present-day Xi’an). Its construction began in 652 AD under the direction of the renowned monk Xuanzang. A legendary figure of the Tang Dynasty, Xuanzang embarked on a perilous journey to India to retrieve Buddhist scriptures, returning with a vast collection of sutras, Buddha statues, and relics. To preserve these sacred Buddhist treasures, Xuanzang petitioned the Tang court for permission to build the pagoda, which was completed with imperial support.
Initially, the pagoda had only five stories, inspired by Indian stupas and featuring a simple, Central Asian-influenced design. It served not only as a repository for the scriptures and relics but also embodied Xuanzang’s profound devotion to Buddhist culture and his vision of perpetuating its teachings. Historical records indicate that Xuanzang personally oversaw the pagoda’s planning, design, and construction, which took two years to complete.
II. Historical Evolution
After its completion, the pagoda underwent multiple renovations and restorations, ultimately evolving into the seven-story structure seen today. Key phases of its transformation include:
- Emperor Gaozong of Tang: Deeming the original style incompatible with Chang’an’s architectural harmony, Emperor Gaozong ordered its first renovation, raising it to nine stories for greater grandeur.
- Wu Zetian’s Reign: Breaking from the traditional odd-numbered tiers, Empress Wu Zetian expanded the pagoda to ten stories. This modification enhanced its splendor, solidifying its status as a landmark of Chang’an.
- Later Tang Dynasty (Five Dynasties Period): During the Changxing era (930–933), the pagoda was reduced to seven stories, likely to restore its original aesthetic.
- Ming Dynasty: In 1604, extensive repairs and reinforcement were carried out, preserving its historical character while improving structural durability.
III. Architectural Features
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a masterpiece of historical and cultural significance, distinguished by its unique architectural elements:
- Structure: A multi-eaved brick pagoda standing approximately 64.5 meters tall (some sources cite 64.1 meters), with a base measuring 25.5 meters per side. Its square, pyramidal form tapers upward, each tier adorned with arched doorways on all four sides. An internal staircase allows visitors to ascend to the summit.
- Style: Blending Chinese and Indian artistic traditions, the pagoda features traditional Chinese eaves and upturned corners, layered harmoniously with Indian stupa elements such as the finial (cha) and harmika. This fusion creates a majestic yet exotic aesthetic.
- Relics: The pagoda houses invaluable Buddhist artifacts, including sutras, statues, and relics. Among these treasures is a rare palm-leaf sutra enshrined on the fourth floor, one of the original scriptures Xuanzang brought back via the Silk Road. These items illuminate Buddhism’s spread in China and offer critical insights into Tang history and culture.
IV. Cultural Significance
Beyond its architectural splendor, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda stands as a cultural and spiritual beacon:
- Buddhist Legacy: Built to enshrine Xuanzang’s Indian collections, the pagoda symbolizes the transmission and preservation of Buddhist teachings in China. Its existence marks a pivotal chapter in the faith’s integration into Chinese society.
- Literary Connections: The pagoda has inspired generations of poets, including Tang luminaries Du Fu and Bai Juyi, who composed verses celebrating its majesty and reflecting on history and culture. Their works immortalize the pagoda as both a physical monument and a cultural touchstone.
This reverence for heritage, woven into the fabric of daily life, endures even as modernity advances. Like a timeless tree sprouting fresh buds, the pagoda’s legacy thrives—a testament to humanity’s enduring awe for tradition and its dynamic reinvention across ages.