the small wild goose pagoda was built between 707–709, during the tang dynasty under emperor zhongzong of tang (r 705–710). the pagoda stood 45 m (147 ft) until the 1556 shaanxi earthquake. the earthquake shook the pagoda and damaged it so that it now stands at a height of 43 m (141 ft) with fifteen levels of tiers. the pagoda has a brick frame built around a hollow interior, and its square base and shape reflect the building style of other pagodas from the era.