How to Get the Best Photos at Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square: 5 Spots & Hanfu Tips 2026

When visiting Xi’an, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is an unmissable landmark. Built in the third year of the Yonghui era of the Tang Dynasty (652 AD) under the personal supervision of Monk Xuanzang, this ancient pagoda stands 64.5 meters tall with seven stories and has stood tall for over 1,300 years. The surrounding Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square is Xi’an’s most popular public space—the North Square features what is said to be Asia’s largest musical fountain, while the South Square connects to the Tang Dynasty Everbright City. With the ruins park to explore by day and fountain shows to watch at night, one day simply isn’t enough to capture it all.

For many first-time visitors to Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square, the biggest questions are: Which spots yield the best photos? How can you avoid the crowds? And should you wear Hanfu? This guide covers it all in one go: 5 classic photo spots, the best times to shoot, recommended routes, and information on Hanfu experience shops near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

The Two Biggest Challenges When Taking Photos at Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square

“Photos taken outside the Big Wild Goose Pagoda look better than those taken inside”—this isn’t misleading signage from the tourist site, but genuine advice from those who’ve been there. The best photo spots at Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square are all located around the perimeter of the pagoda. You don’t have to spend a single penny on admission to capture stunning photos that will go viral on social media.

The second issue is the crowds. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is one of Xi’an’s most popular attractions, and on weekends and holidays, it’s packed with people—getting a good shot is purely a matter of luck. The solution is simple: come early in the morning, or find an indoor or elevated vantage point.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square: 5 Classic Photo Spots

Spot 1: Tang Dynasty Daci’en Temple Ruins Park — Buddha Statue and Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the Same Frame

This is the most serene photo spot around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Enter through the south gate of the ruins park, where lush greenery and quiet paths surround you. Walk to the Buddha statue, use it as the foreground, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda as the midground—the depth and dimension of the shot will be immediately maximized.

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Spot 2: South Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda — The Classic Photo Spot with the Stone Statue of Monk Xuanzang

In the center of the South Square stands a bronze statue of Monk Xuanzang, facing south with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda behind him. This spot is the most iconic “standard shot” among the photo spots at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square— —the bronze statue of Monk Xuanzang and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the same frame, instantly making it clear that “this is Xi’an.”

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Spot 3: The Red Wall at Gate 3 of Joy City—A Visual Clash of Past and Present

Head southeast for about five minutes from the South Plaza, and you’ll reach Qujiang Joy City. Next to Gate 3 stands an iconic red wall. The interplay of green trees, the red wall, and the gray ancient pagoda creates a striking visual contrast that really catches the eye. Right next to the red wall is Heytea—pick up a cup of milk tea and snap a photo on the spot.

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Spot 4: Joy City 4th Floor Observation Deck — A Prime Spot to Overlook the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The open-air observation deck on the 4th floor of Joy City offers the most unique vantage point among the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square photo spots—you’re up high, with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda at your feet. Here, you’ll also find Instagram-worthy props like a chibi-style statue of Tang Sanzang, a White Dragon installation, and a red “Xi’an” sign.

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Spot 5: North Square Musical Fountain—A Spectacle of Light and Shadow Under the Night Sky

The musical fountain at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is said to be the largest in Asia. During the day, it appears as a vast pool of water, but at night it transforms into a visual feast where sound, light, water, and color intertwine. The fountain jets up to 60 meters high, rising and falling in time with the music, creating a truly spectacular scene.

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A Guide to Taking Hanfu Photos Around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Honestly, if you visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda without taking a photo in Hanfu, it just feels like something’s missing. Standing in front of this 1,300-year-old pagoda, dressed in a Tang-style chest-length tunic and skirt, the scene is more captivating than any filter could ever be. Along the stretch from the South Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to the Tang Dynasty Everbright City, Hanfu shops are more plentiful than bubble tea shops. Renting an outfit—from makeup to getting ready—takes just half an hour.

2-Hour Itinerary (Tested and Guaranteed to Avoid Detours)

I’ve walked this route myself, heading south from north. The entire walk takes about 2 hours, with no need to backtrack:

Tang Dynasty Da Ci’en Temple Ruins Park → South Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Red Wall at Gate 3 of Joy City → Observation Deck on the 4th Floor of Joy City

A few tips from my experience:

You can never take enough photos at Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square. With five distinct shooting spots—Buddhist statues and Zen ambiance, the classic Xuanzang statue, the striking contrast of red walls, rooftop aerial shots, and the fountain at night—plus the added charm of Hanfu, you can mix and match any combination without ever repeating yourself. Following this route not only saves time but also ensures you don’t miss any great spots. Save this for your next trip to Xi’an.