The Small Wild Goose Pagoda stands in a wooded park in Xi'an's Beilin District, a slender 13-story brick pagoda built in 707-709 AD that has survived several earthquakes despite a visible crack running through its upper tiers from a 16th-century tremor. The park around it is a popular spot for locals practicing tai chi and playing traditional instruments in the mornings, and includes a bell tower with an ancient bronze bell still rung on festival days. Adjoining the park, Xi'an Museum houses a well-organized collection of bronzes, ceramics, and Buddhist statuary excavated from the surrounding region, with clear English captions and a scale model of the Tang-dynasty city that helps orient visitors to how modern Xi'an overlays its ancient predecessor. A full visit covering both the park, pagoda climb, and museum galleries takes about 1.5-2 hours. The pagoda's interior can be climbed via a narrow staircase to its upper levels for views over the park and surrounding rooftops. Mornings are the quietest time, with local residents using the park for exercise before the museum opens; the museum itself is busiest on weekend afternoons and around Chinese public holidays, when the free ticket allocation can run out by midday.
| Admission | Adult Free (park & Xi'an Museum); ¥30 (~$4) pagoda climb · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (closed Mondays); free ticket must be collected for museum entry |
| Typical visit | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings |
| Getting there | Metro Line 3 to Xiaozhai station, short walk |
| Address | 10 Youyi West Road, Beilin District, Xi'an |
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Location
10 Youyi West Road, Beilin District, Xi'an
34.2394, 108.9394 View on map
Highlights
- Climb the cracked 13-story brick pagoda
- Xi'an Museum's bronze and Buddhist statuary galleries
- Scale model of the Tang-dynasty city layout
- Morning tai chi practitioners in the surrounding park
Tips for visiting
- Collect the free Xi'an Museum ticket at the counter with ID, as entry is not automatic
- Arrive before noon on weekends, since the free ticket allocation can be exhausted by midday
- Pay the small pagoda-climb fee separately at the base of the pagoda
- Bring ID, as it's required for the free museum ticket
When to visit
Visit on a weekday morning when the free museum ticket allocation is easiest to secure and the park is quiet.
Accessibility
The park and museum are step-free and paved, with ramps at the museum entrance, but the pagoda's interior staircase is narrow and not wheelchair accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 1.5-2 hours covering the park, pagoda climb, and Xi'an Museum galleries.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the museum's clear displays and the pagoda climb are both manageable and engaging for children.
Is photography allowed?
Photography without flash is allowed in both the park and museum galleries.