Xi'an, China - Da Ci'en Temple Entrance

Camera in hand, I made my way off of the bus and starting taking pictures. In the distance is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Pagoda)...our destination.

The parking lot was across two streets from the Da Ci'en Temple, home to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.  Yes, it was like herding cats to keep the group together.  Our Xi'an tour guide Ping, and our on the ground in China guardian and keeper, Ben (Jin), had their work cut out for them.  But, they always gave us great instructions and we knew the general direction.

 I liked the lamps.  The square one reminded me of Frank Lloyd Wright's work.  When I researched this connection, I found several articles describing the influence of China on FLW's designs.  Add that to my list of topics to check on in greater detail.  If you have any information or references on this topic, please leave details in the comments section.

Ok, here is a close up detail so that you can really see the design.  The one on the left (or top, depending on your screen size) is the lamp in the park. The one on the right (bottom) is from mosaicshades.com.  Thoughts on this?

   

Back to the tour...

 This is a large park located just north of the Temple.  TravelChinaGuide.com gives a nice explanation of this area.  Our group didn't go in to this park but it is something that I would take the time to visit if on my own.

Surrounding Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the scenery is also quite charming, especially the square north of the Da Ci'en Temple. Covering about 110,000 square meters (131,563 square yards) plus 20,000 square meters (23,920.6 square yards) of water area, it holds many records: in Asia, it is the biggest Tang-culture square, the biggest musical fountain and waterscape square, and the largest-scale sculptures area. In the world, it has the most benches, the longest light-belt, and the largest-scale acoustic complex.

The entire square is composed of waterscape fountains, a cultural square, gardens and paths. There you can taste real Chinese culture and traditions and fully enjoy the truly attractive views. With reliefs on the theme of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, 200-meter-long (656-foot-long) sculpture groups, 8 groups of sculpted figures, 40 relievos on the land, and 22 styles of musical fountains, it has become a must-see.

Take a moment to click here to see a photo of the fountains.

 This is the back view of the monk Xuanzang's statue.  He is a historically famous monk who traveled to the West and India.  His journals inspired the classic novel "Journey to the West", written nine centuries after his death.  Xuanzang is responsible for translations in to Chinese.

An informational sign at the entrance to the park. Nice ramps aid in walking.

 There is a statue in the front with a rubbed off spot.  Guess who couldn't resist!!  Getting good luck all along the way.

 Ok, well, not to miss out on any of the good luck stuff, I reach out and rub the shiny spot.

 and we move to enter the Da Ci'en Temple.  Take a moment to notice both steps and ramps at the entrance.  The details are painted and the Temple exterior is very bright and colorful.

As usual, step up and over the raised threshhold as we enter the Temple grounds...