Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Paradise

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda • Basic information: Located at No. 1 Ci'en Road, Yanta District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the pagoda was built in the third year of the Yonghui era of the Tang Dynasty under the supervision of Master Xuanzang to preserve Buddhist scriptures and statues. It is the earliest and largest Tang Dynasty square pavilion-style brick pagoda in existence, and a treasure of ancient Chinese architecture and Buddhist culture. • Opening hours: Peak season (March 16–November 4) 8:00–17:30; off-peak season (November 15–March 15) 8:00–17:00. • Ticket price: Peak season CNY 40, off-peak season CNY 30, student discount ticket CNY 20. • Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 or 4 to Dayanta Station; or take Bus 609 to Yanta Xilu Dongkou Station, and walk 730 meters to reach the pagoda. • Must-see attractions: The pagoda itself, with exquisite brick and wood carvings on each floor; the North Square of the pagoda, which has the largest musical fountain in Asia, with beautiful lights and music at night; and Da Ci'en Temple, with its ancient and elegant buildings and strong incense. • Photo spots: Take photos with the pagoda in the background at the square; take photos in ancient costumes at the red walls of Da Ci'en Temple; and take group photos at the Tang Da Ci'en Temple Ruins Park, with the Buddha and the pagoda in the same frame. • Food recommendations: Nearby snack streets offer roujiamo, cold noodles, sour plum soup, and more. Tang Paradise • Basic information: Located southeast of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Yanta District, Xi'an, the park was rebuilt in the style of a Tang Dynasty royal garden north of the site of the Tang Dynasty Furong Garden. It is the first large-scale royal garden-style cultural theme park in China to fully display the style of the Tang Dynasty. • Opening hours: 9:00–22:00. • Ticket price: CNY 120 per person, student ticket CNY 60 per person. • Transportation: Take Metro Line 4 to Tang Paradise Station; or take Bus 22, 23, 24, etc. to Tang Paradise West Gate Station, and walk to the park. • Must-see attractions: Ziyun Tower, the iconic building of the park, offers a bird's-eye view of the entire park; the Lady's Hall displays the style of Tang Dynasty ladies; and Xingyuan offers an insight into the imperial examination culture of the Tang Dynasty. • Performances: The dance drama "Dream Back to the Tang Dynasty" showcases the style of the Tang Dynasty; the water performance "Tang Dynasty Dream" offers a unique experience; and there are also Ziyun Celebrations, Dream of the Tang Dynasty parades, and more. • Photo spots: Ziyun Tower is suitable for taking photos in Hanfu; the Golden Pavilion and Jade Pavilion in the Colorful Corridor are exquisite and look great at night; and the Flag Pavilion is a popular photo spot, with Tang costumes making for great photos. • Food recommendations: The park offers Shaanxi delicacies such as lamb paomo, cold noodles, and roujiamo.