Based on the traditional TMD, a new type of variable damping TMD was designed and made. Using the theory of fluid mechanics, the equivalent damping coefficient of the damper was deduced. The MATLAB/Simulink simulation model of the variable damping TMD system was established and conducted on a scale of 1/10 small wild goose pagoda structure model, and the dynamic response of simulation was compared with the result of shaking table test. At the same time, the analysis method was further applied to the prototype structure of the small wild goose pagoda. The results show that the simulation results are consistent with the experimental consequence, which verifies the reliability of the simulation method. In view of the small wild goose pagoda prototype structure, variable damping type TMD can significantly reduce the earthquake response of the structure. The greater the response of the structure itself, the better the control effect. When the structure itself is less responsive, it can get better control effect due to the action of variable damping.