When was the Big Wild Goose Pagoda built?

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in the third year of Yonghui reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty. Because it is located in Ci'enren, it is also called Ci'en Temple Pagoda. Ci'en Temple was built by Prince Li Zhi in the 22nd year of Emperor Zhenguan of the Tang Dynasty in memory of his mother, Queen Wende. When the Big Wild Goose Pagoda was first built, it had only five floors. It was rebuilt during the reign of Wu Zetian and later underwent many repairs. The current tower is seven-story, 64 meters tall, and has a square pyramid shape. The body of the tower is made of green bricks, and the walls of each floor are made of imitation wood structures such as columns, beams, and railings. There are arches on all sides of each floor. This pavilion-style brick tower is simple in shape and majestic. It is a masterpiece of Chinese Buddhist architectural art.

On both sides of the south gate on the ground floor of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda are two stone tablets written by Chu Suiliang, a famous calligrapher of the Tang Dynasty. One is the "Preface to the Holy Teachings of the Tripitaka of the Tang Dynasty"; the other is the "Preface to the Holy Teachings of the Tripitaka of the Tang Dynasty" written by Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty. The arabesque pattern on the side of the monument is beautiful in pattern and vivid in shape. These are important cultural relics for studying the calligraphy, painting, and sculpture arts of the Tang Dynasty