Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Photo/Xinhua)

Top 4: Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔)

The pagoda is located in the southern part of present day Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, in what used to be Chang'an City during the Tang Dynasty. The formal name of the pagoda is Ci'en Temple Pagoda, but since the temple disappeared long ago, the pagoda is known by its other name.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was first built in 652 in the Tang Dynasty by Xuanzang, a prominent Buddhist scholar of that time. The pagoda collapsed not long after it was built. It was rebuilt between 701 and 704 on the orders of Empress Wu Zetian.

The pagoda tapers sharply from the first storey up, giving the entire structure the shape of a pyramid and ensuring it stands firm. The wooden steps and flooring inside allow people to go up all the way to the top and enjoy the splendid views Xi'an has to offer.

Admission: Ci'en Temple 25 yuan; climbing the pagoda 20 yuan;

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn