The scenic area in the vicinity of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda has gained a strong reputation as a delightful leisure venue where the visitor will be able to enjoy sightseeing attractions and the tranquil beauty of the locality. The main cultural attractions at the site are the pagoda, the Jianfu Temple and the Xian Museum.
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda was constructed during the reign of the Tang Dynasty in 707. This pagoda is exquisite and dainty in appearance, and is considered to be a significant cultural site as one of the few existing relics of Chang’an, the Tang era name for Xian. The handsome brick many eaved building rises to 142 feet, equivalent to a height of 13 storeys. The building displays a graceful spindle shape, with the tallness of each floor lesser than the one below; this design renders an attractive curve to the profile of the building. The numerous eaves are formed of overlapping inward curving bricks, a notable feature of Tang era buildings.
The ground floor of the edifice features arched doorways facing south as well as north; in contrast the other levels feature arched window frames. Inside the building a small wooden staircase leads to the summit of the structure. The intricate drawings on the well-designed doors are typical of the artistic motifs prevalent in the time of the Tang era. The structure of this monumental pagoda is also remarkable for its robust design which has withstood a number of earthquakes.
On the other hand the Jianfu Temple is considered noteworthy for the giant 3.5 m tall iron bell it contains. The sound of this bell is reputed to be audible as far as three miles away.
Visitors should also make it a point to explore the nearby Xian Museum, which features a collection of in excess of 2,000 valuable historical artifacts. Next to the museum you will see a large square and a pretty lake with a couple of picturesque stone bridges.
Well-informed visitors seeking Xian accommodation will find an excellent choice in the Citadines Xingqing Palace Xi’an. These fine service apartments Xian offers provide comfortable accommodations and a selection of amenities.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
