Historical Background
Great Ci'en Temple (Da Ci'en Si) is one of China’s most revered Buddhist sites, located in the heart of ancient Chang’an—modern-day Xi’an. Founded in 648 CE during the Tang Dynasty by Crown Prince Li Zhi (later Emperor Gaozong) in honor of his mother, Empress Wende, the temple quickly became a spiritual and intellectual epicenter of Chinese Buddhism. Commissioned by imperial decree, it was among the grandest and most influential monasteries in the capital, reflecting both the piety of the royal family and the cosmopolitan spirit of Tang-era China.
Role in Buddhist History
Great Ci'en Temple holds a pivotal place in East Asian Buddhist history as the cradle of the Faxiang (or Weishi) school—also known as the Consciousness-Only or Yogācāra tradition—one of the eight major schools of Chinese Buddhism. The temple’s most illustrious resident was the legendary monk Xuanzang, who returned from his 17-year pilgrimage to India with over 600 Buddhist scriptures. Appointed chief abbot of Great Ci'en Temple by Emperor Taizong, Xuanzang led a massive translation project here, rendering Sanskrit texts into classical Chinese and laying the doctrinal foundations for the Faxiang school. His scholarly legacy transformed the temple into one of the “Three Great Translation Centers” of Tang Chang’an.
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Within the temple complex stands the world-famous Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Ta), constructed in 652 CE under Xuanzang’s personal supervision. Built to house the sacred sutras, relics, and statues he brought back from India, the pagoda originally had five stories but was later rebuilt with seven tiers during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian. Rising 64.5 meters tall with a square base measuring 25 meters per side, the brick-and-earth structure exemplifies early Tang architectural style. Visitors can climb its internal staircase for panoramic views of Xi’an—a rare opportunity among China’s ancient pagodas.
The pagoda’s exterior features exquisite stone carvings of Buddhas, while inside, highlights include the celebrated steles of the <i>Daci’en Temple Sacred Teachings of the Tripitaka Master</i>—calligraphed by Tang calligraphy masters Chu Suiliang and Wang Xingzhi—and displays of Buddhist relics, footprint stones of the Buddha, and artifacts tracing Xuanzang’s journey along the Silk Road.
Cultural Significance and Heritage Status
Great Ci'en Temple’s historical importance has been formally recognized through multiple designations. In 1961, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. In 2001, the entire temple complex was awarded AAAA (4A) status—the second-highest national tourism rating in China. Most notably, in 2014, the pagoda was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the transnational “Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor,” jointly submitted by China, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Modern Experience and Atmosphere
Today, Great Ci'en Temple blends solemn spirituality with vibrant cultural tourism. Incense coils rise from courtyards filled with blooming seasonal flowers, while monks chant sutras in restored halls echoing centuries of devotion. A notable addition in 2016 was the successful transplantation of a sapling grown from seeds of a rare sal tree (Shorea robusta)—believed to be descended from one planted by Xuanzang himself—adding a living link to the master’s legacy.
Visitors can also witness the temple’s daily rituals, including the resonant tolling of the Ming Dynasty iron bell (cast in 1548 and weighing 15 metric tons) housed in the eastern Bell Tower. This bell, along with the Drum Tower, upholds the traditional Buddhist practice of “morning bell, evening drum” (chen zhong mu gu), marking the rhythm of monastic life.
Literary Legacy: “Yanta Taming”
Beyond religion, the temple played a key role in Tang civil culture. After passing the imperial examinations, newly minted scholars would inscribe their names on the pagoda’s walls—a custom known as “Yanta Taming” (Yan Ta Ti Ming). This prestigious rite symbolized scholarly achievement and launched many literary careers, immortalizing the pagoda in classical poetry and prose.
Visitor Experience
The temple grounds are spacious and well-maintained, offering a peaceful retreat from Xi’an’s urban bustle. Exhibitions detail Xuanzang’s epic journey, the Silk Road’s cultural exchanges, and the evolution of Chinese Buddhist architecture. Photography is permitted in most outdoor areas, making it a favorite spot for travelers in traditional Hanfu attire. While the pagoda interior requires climbing steep stairs, the effort rewards with sweeping city vistas—especially magical at sunset.
Whether you’re a history buff, spiritual seeker, or casual traveler, Great Ci'en Temple offers a profound window into China’s golden age of cosmopolitanism, faith, and scholarship.