Renowned as one of China’s most iconic religious institutions, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a breathtaking structure that is at the heart of Xian’s cultural identity. Also known as the Dayan Pagoda, this towering religious edifice has been a permanent fixture in the province since the Tang Dynasty. Commissioned to be built by Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, the structure which dates back to 652 AD mainly served as a large Buddhist archive that collected religious material from India, the birthplace of Buddhism. Declared a part of the National Key Cultural Relic Preserve, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is contained within the Da ci’en Temple complex located a mere 4km from downtown Xi’an and is one of the most visited cultural highlights in the country.
The main attraction on a tour of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is of course its daily Fountain Show which takes place in the northern square of the pagoda where the towering structures of the iconic edifice provides the perfect backdrop for the liquid-based spectacular. Taking place every day including public holidays, the Fountain Show at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda has been hailed as the largest fountain showcase in all of Asia and one of its finest as well.
Home to the largest light belt in the world and more benches than found anywhere else in the globe, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda’s fountain show area is also regarded an acoustic compound larger than any other on the planet as the entire space comes to life with light beams and liquid sabers during show times. As a showpiece choreographed to perfection, the Fountain Show celebrates the Tang dynastic era in all its grandeur. Taking on 20 varied stylistic elements, guests can witness the spectacle from above the pagoda ground or among the giant water nozzles that occupy the ground.
A whopping 1024 liquid sprouting nozzles are employed to create this optical illusion that moves to the rhythm of Chinese and classical musical pieces. Synchronized to move with the music, the light beams cast giant shadows across the sky while the water below takes on vibrant hues with every twist and turn of rhythm and movement. Sprouting beams of water 60m into the air, shapes such as waves are created during the show in which getting wet is a prerequisite if not an added advantage of attending the greatest water-based spectacle in China.
Travellers in search of luxury Xian accommodation will be more than pleased with the Citadines Xingqing Palace Xi’an. Providing guests with the best in modern amenities, this elegant rest houses service apartments Xian counts among its best holiday living spaces.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.