Big Wild Goose Pagoda 大雁塔
November 19, 2024
Today marked the final sightseeing day of our East Asia-China trip. Tomorrow, we will embark on a journey to Shanghai to reunite with our family there. To make the most of our last day, we opted for a relaxed and enjoyable itinerary.
We had the breakfast buffet at the hotel, where they served a modified version of Yangrou Paomou (Lamb Stew with Flatbread Soaked in Soup). It brought back memories of our first visit to Xi’an 25 years ago, when we went to a restaurant and ordered Yangrou Paomou. However, we left the place after seeing the dish—there was just too much fat and a strong, overpowering smell. This time, though, the dish was delicious, with tender lamb and a rich, flavorful broth that completely changed our perception. Then, we took a leisurely stroll around the Tang Dynasty ancient city wall park, located near our hotel. The park was adorned with stunning fall foliage, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our exploration. The crisp autumn air added to the serene experience.
After a delightful lunch at the hotel, utilizing the $100 hotel credit, a benefits earned through our American Express booking, we set out to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Renowned as one of Xi’an’s most iconic landmarks and a significant historical and religious site in China, this pagoda holds immense cultural and spiritual significance.
Originally constructed over 1,300 years ago, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda stands as a testament to Chinese Buddhist culture. It was built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the esteemed Monk Xuanzang during the Tang Dynasty, reflecting the deep historical and religious ties between China and India.
Although we were unable to climb the tower due to time constraints, we thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Buddhist temple surrounding the pagoda. Once a royal temple during the Tang Dynasty, it continues to serve as an active place of worship and remains a cherished site of cultural heritage. The intricate carvings and tranquil ambiance made our visit truly memorable.
Then we walked into Datang Everbright City, a city steeped in Tang Dynasty history, offers a captivating nightlife experience, nestled next to a majestic pagoda. This pedestrian street is a feast for the eyes, adorned with Tang Dynasty-style architecture that transports visitors back in time. The area is a vibrant hub of activity, illuminated with beautiful lights and filled with the enticing aroma of street food. Street performers entertain the crowd with traditional dances and music, creating a lively atmosphere that lingers throughout the night. The massive size and large crowd blew us away. It was the largest night market we ever visited.
2024年11月19日
今天是我们东亚-中国之行的最后一个观光日。明天，我们将启程前往上海，与家人团聚。为了充分利用最后一天，我们选择了一个悠闲而愉快的行程。
清晨，我们在酒店附近的唐代古城墙公园漫步。公园里金色的秋叶将整个景色装点得如诗如画，微凉的秋风更增添了几分宁静与惬意。
午餐后，我们利用通过美国运通预订所获得的$100酒店额度，在酒店享用了一顿丰盛的午餐。随后，我们前往西安最具代表性的地标之一——大雁塔。这座千年古塔不仅是中国的重要历史和宗教遗址，还承载着深厚的文化与精神意义。
大雁塔始建于1300多年前，见证了中国佛教文化的发展。它最初由唐代高僧玄奘建造，用以存放他自印度带回的佛经和佛像，象征着中印之间深厚的历史和宗教联系。
由于时间关系，我们未能登塔，但仍然在大雁塔周围的佛教寺庙内细细探访。这座寺庙曾是唐代的皇家寺院，如今仍然是一座活跃的宗教场所，承载着丰富的文化遗产。精美的雕刻和庄重的氛围，让我们的参观体验更加深刻。
随后，我们步入大唐不夜城，这座充满盛唐气息的步行街与大雁塔相邻，展现出一幅梦回大唐的绚丽画卷。街道两旁布满了仿唐建筑，华灯初上，整个街区被绚烂的灯光装点得如梦如幻，空气中弥漫着各式小吃的香气。街头艺人表演着传统舞蹈和音乐，热闹非凡。步行街的庞大规模和熙熙攘攘的人潮让我们惊叹不已，这是我们见过的最大夜市，带给我们前所未有的震撼体验。