Built in AD 652 during the Tang dynasty within the Da Ci'en Temple, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔) was commissioned by the renowned Buddhist monk Xuanzang after his 17-year pilgrimage to India. It was constructed to preserve the Buddhist scriptures, statues, and sacred relics that he brought back from India to China. Originally built of rammed earth and later rebuilt with brick, the square-based pyramid tower stands 64 meters (210 feet) tall with seven distinct stories.