The Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an was founded in the 7th century, during the Tang Dynasty, to hold the sutras that were brought from India to China by the Buddhist monk Tripitaka (fig.).

Inside the main temple hall is a large image of the Sakyamuni Buddha seated in the lotus position, while performing an uttarabodhi mudra, i.e. the gesture of Supreme Enlightenment (fig.). The name of the temple is derived from a popular story. According to legend, some day, the Buddha sent a wild goose to some monks who were starving.

As it flew by, it just fell from the sky for them to eat. To honour and thank the goose, the Buddhist monks became vegetarians and the goose was included in the temple's name (fig.).