Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain Show: Asia’s Largest Matrix Fountain
The Xi’an Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain Show, officially known as the “Big Wild Goose Pagoda Water and Light Show,” is located on the central axis of the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and is currently the largest matrix-style music fountain in Asia. Since its completion in 2003, it has become a must-visit attraction for countless tourists in Xi’an, thanks to its grand scale, exquisite water feature design, and the perfect integration of sound, light, and water. What’s even more remarkable is that this visual feast is free for visitors—standing on the square, you can experience the breathtaking interplay of water curtains and light and shadow without spending a single penny.
When traveling to Xi’an, many people ask: What makes the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain so special? How spectacular are the performances? What is the performance schedule? This article will provide a comprehensive overview of this top-tier Asian water show from three perspectives: the fountain’s basic profile, performance content and highlights, and performance times and viewing tips.
I. Asia’s Largest Matrix Fountain: A Look at the Scale
Just how big is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain Show? A set of statistics provides the most straightforward answer.
1.1 Basic Scale: 20,000-square-meter Water Area Sets Multiple World Records
Basic Scale Data:
- Water surface area: 20,000 square meters
- Approximately 350 meters long from north to south, with a maximum width of about 110 meters from east to west
- The overall structure is T-shaped, rising in nine stepped tiers from north to south
With these features, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain has set multiple world records, including the world’s largest variable-frequency fountain array, the world’s longest light strip, the world’s cleanest plaza, the plaza with the most seating, and the largest sound system configuration.
1.2 Hardware Configuration: 1,360 water pumps + 3,300 colored lights
Hardware Configuration Data:
- Water pumps: 1,360
- Variable frequency drives: 1,124
- Colored lights: Over 3,300
- Spray nozzles: Over 2,000
- There are 1,024 spray points, with each nozzle independently controlled by one water pump and one variable frequency drive
1.3 Water Area Zoning: Three Zones Operating in Unison, Capable of Independent or Coordinated Operation
The fountain is divided into three zones from south to north, capable of performing independently or in unison:
- 100-Meter Waterfall Pool—Located at the southernmost end, simulating the effect of a cascading waterfall
- Eight-Tier Cascade Pool — Connected to the world’s largest variable-frequency fountain array, the eight tiers of cascading water echo the seven stories of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, symbolizing “nine nines return to one”
- Front Music Fountain Pool — The central area where water patterns change in sync with the music
II. 22 Water Patterns × Sound, Light, and Water: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Show
If scale is the framework, then the water pattern design is the soul of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain Show.
2.1 22 Unique Water Patterns: From Lotus Blossoms to Water-Fire Mist
The fountain features a total of 22 distinct water patterns, all created using the latest domestic technology and boasting a high level of sophistication. The most representative of these include:
- Variable-Frequency Array (Tidal Wave): The signature water pattern, where 1,024 nozzles are independently controlled by variable-frequency drives, dancing in perfect synchrony to create a grand spectacle reminiscent of a tidal wave
- Blooming Lotus: Nozzles arranged in a bowl-shaped circle spray water evenly in all directions, resembling snow lotuses blooming in the water
- 100-Meter Variable-Frequency Running Fountain: Water columns rapidly move along a predetermined trajectory, as if water were racing across the surface
- Vast Sea of Clouds: Multiple groups of nozzles spray simultaneously, combining with water mist to create the effect of billowing clouds
- Seagulls Spreading Their Wings: Nozzles on both sides swing symmetrically, resembling seagulls flapping their wings as they skim the water’s surface.
- Butterflies Among Flowers: Two streams of water intertwine and rise, their graceful and elegant movements evoking butterflies fluttering among blossoms.
- Water, Fire, and Mist: Within a 60-meter-wide laser water curtain, four fire-spouting fountains erupt from the water, igniting in a low-temperature explosion 6 meters above the ground and blending with the water mist—water and fire collide in the same space, creating an extremely powerful visual impact
- 60-Meter-High Water Jet: Located at the center, it shoots straight up into the sky, standing as the tallest water feature in the entire venue, a single pillar reaching the heavens with majestic grandeur
2.2 Completely Revamped: The “Water Melody of the Wild Goose Pagoda · Dancing Xi’an” Series
In 2016, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain Show underwent a comprehensive revamp and upgrade. Renowned domestic composers were specially invited to create a brand-new series of music titled “Water Melody of the Wild Goose Pagoda · Dancing Xi’an.” The series consists of four parts—monologue, solo, chorus, and light music—and is structured as an overture followed by four chapters. In addition, the fountain show regularly features classic pieces such as “Passionate Leap,” “Santorini,” “Flying Apsaras,” “Silk Road Flower Rain,” and “Silk Road.” According to incomplete statistics, the total number of performance pieces exceeds 80, with the repertoire rotating for each show, offering visitors an experience that feels “fresh every time.”
2.3 Lighting System: A Perfect Fusion of 3,300 Colorful Lights and Urban Lighting
The fountain lighting employs a multi-source combination of underwater pool lights, LED light strips, and computer-controlled lights on the shore. With over 3,300 colorful lights synchronized with high-fidelity, long-range professional audio systems, the fountain achieves a seamless integration of sound, light, water, and color. The lighting for the North Plaza employs a combination of high-mast and low-mast lights. The light spectrum has been specially analyzed and processed—it is highly visible to the human eye but virtually invisible to insects, thereby eliminating the nuisance of swarms of mosquitoes and other insects in the plaza.
III. Show Times and Viewing Tips
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain Show is open year-round and free to watch. Each performance lasts approximately 10 minutes.
3.1 Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain Show Schedule: Varies by Weekday, Weekend, and Holiday
Regular Show Times (Monday–Friday):
- First Show: 12:00–12:10
- Second Show: 16:00–16:10
- Third Show: 19:00–19:10
- Fourth Show: 21:00–21:10
Weekend and Public Holiday Schedule: Five shows daily, with additional performances at 14:00 and 16:00 in addition to the times listed above.
Special Note:
- Routine equipment maintenance is conducted every Tuesday. The 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM shows are canceled, with only the 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM shows remaining.
- Performance times are subject to change due to weather, crowd levels, and other factors. We recommend calling the information hotline at 029-81211080 or following the official Weibo account @西安大唐不夜城 to confirm before departure.
3.2 Best Viewing Spots for the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain: North Square Guide
Top Spot for Photos: The northernmost end of the North Square
- Exit through Metro Exits B or C and face the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
- The fountain illuminated by spotlights, framed alongside the ancient pagoda, makes for the most photogenic shot.
- We recommend arriving 30 minutes early to secure a spot.
Top Spot for Scenery: The viewing platform at the southern end of the North Square
- Elevated vantage point offering a layered view of the fountain
- Provides a panoramic perspective of the entire scene
Free Premium Spot: 4th-floor Observation Deck at Joy City
- Overlooks the entire fountain plaza
- Free access, ideal for photography enthusiasts
We recommend prioritizing the 9:00 PM night show: With all lights fully illuminated, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, bathed in spotlights, harmonizes with the fountain’s water curtain, creating a visual spectacle far more stunning than during the day.
3.3 Transportation Guide: Direct subway access, convenient bus service
Practical Information:
- Address: No. 3 Furong East Road, Yanta District, Xi’an (North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda)
- Subway: Take Xi’an Metro Line 3 or Line 4 and get off at Big Wild Goose Pagoda Station. Exit via Exit B or C to arrive at the destination.
- Bus: Get off at Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square Station. Over 40 bus routes pass through here, including Routes 5, 19, 21, and 22.
Conclusion
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain Show in Xi’an uses a 20,000-square-meter water surface as its canvas, 22 different water patterns as its brushstrokes, and the ancient pagoda as its backdrop. Enhanced by modern technology, it creates a series of flowing poems of light and shadow. Whether it’s the 60-meter-high jets shooting into the sky or the graceful blooming lotus flowers, every performance is a profound dialogue between technology and art, tradition and modernity.
When visiting Xi’an, be sure to set aside an evening to sit on the ground at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, watch the water jets dance to the music, and experience the most contemporary and awe-inspiring side of this ancient city—all completely free of charge. Remember to check the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain Show schedule in advance, secure a good spot, and don’t let this top-tier Asian water show slip away.
