White Horse Temple

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Spot Introduction

White Horse Temple, located in Luoyang, Henan Province, was founded in the 11th year of Yongping in the Eastern Han Dynasty (68 AD). It is the first government-built temple after the introduction of Buddhism to China, known as the “origin of Buddhism” and “ancestral hall”. The establishment of White Horse Temple marks the official introduction of Buddhism into China, which is of epoch-making significance in the history of Chinese Buddhism.

White Horse Temple covers an area of about 200 mu. Most of the existing buildings were rebuilt during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The main buildings include the mountain gate, Tianwang Hall, Dafo Hall, Main Hall, Jieyin Hall, and Pilu Pavilion. The temple preserves a large number of precious Buddhist cultural relics, including the Yuan Dynasty’s painted statues, Ming Dynasty’s Eighteen Arhats statues, and Qing Dynasty’s “Tripitaka”.

White Horse Temple is named after the allusion of “white horse carrying scriptures”. According to records, the Eastern Han Emperor Ming sent envoys to the western regions to seek Dharma. The envoy met two Indian monks, Shemoteng and Zhufalan, in Dayue, and invited them to teach in China. The two monks came to Luoyang with Buddhist scriptures and statues on a white horse. The Emperor Ming built this temple for them and named it “White Horse Temple”.

White Horse Temple is not only the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism but also an important witness of Sino-foreign cultural exchanges. The temple is equipped with Buddhist temple buildings from countries such as India, Myanmar, and Thailand, forming a unique international Buddhist cultural park. These exotic-style Buddhist temples not only showcase the artistic features of Buddhism in different countries but also reflect the important position of White Horse Temple as a world center for Buddhist cultural exchanges.

In recent years, White Horse Temple has actively carried out Buddhist culture research and dissemination work. The temple has a Buddhist culture research institute, regularly holds Buddhist culture lectures and international academic seminars. At the same time, White Horse Temple also offers Buddhist culture training courses to disseminate Buddhist culture knowledge to the public.

Must-see Attractions

  1. Mountain Gate

    • The main entrance of White Horse Temple, built in the Ming Dynasty
    • The words “White Horse Temple” on the gate were inscribed by Zhao Puchu
    • There is a pair of stone horses in front of the gate, symbolizing the “White Horse Carrying Scriptures”
    • Suggested visiting time: 15 minutes
    • Special tip: Observe the unique design features of the stone horses

  2. Great Buddha Hall

    • The main hall of White Horse Temple, dedicated to Sakyamuni Buddha
    • The hall preserves statues made of dry lacquer and cloth from the Yuan Dynasty
    • There is an ancient cypress tree in front of the hall, witnessing the history of White Horse Temple
    • Suggested visiting time: 20 minutes
    • Special tip: No photography allowed inside the hall

  3. Qiyun Tower

    • Located on the southeast side of White Horse Temple
    • Originally built in the Eastern Han Dynasty, the current structure was rebuilt during the Jin Dynasty
    • It is one of the oldest brick towers in China
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes
    • Special tip: You can walk around the tower to pray for good luck

  4. International Buddhist Temple Area

    • Includes temples in Indian, Burmese, and Thai styles
    • Displays the artistic characteristics of Buddhism from different countries
    • A testament to Sino-foreign Buddhist cultural exchange
    • Suggested visiting time: 40 minutes
    • Special tip: Observe the architectural styles of different countries

  5. Sutra Pavilion

    • Houses a large collection of Buddhist scriptures
    • Includes the precious “Da Zang Jing” (Great Buddhist Canon)
    • An important repository for the study of Buddhist culture
    • Suggested visiting time: 20 minutes
    • Special tip: Some areas are not open to the public

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route

    • Mountain Gate → Heavenly King Hall → Great Buddha Hall → Mahavira Hall → Reception Hall → Pilu Pavilion → Qiyun Tower → International Buddhist Temple Area
    • Suggested visiting time: 2-3 hours
    • Special tip: Additional time may be required for the International Buddhist Temple Area

  2. Visiting Schedule

    • Best visiting time: 9:00-11:00 AM
    • It is recommended to avoid the midday period due to strong sunlight
    • Spring and autumn seasons have pleasant weather, ideal for visiting

  3. Practical Tips

    • Dress suggestion: Comfortable sneakers
    • Items to bring: Drinking water, sun hat
    • Photography tip: Qiyun Tower is a great spot for photos
    • Special tip: Photography is prohibited in some areas of the temple

Transportation Guide

  1. By Air

    • Luoyang North Suburb Airport → White Horse Temple:
      • Airport shuttle bus: Approximately 1 hour
      • Taxi: Approximately 40 minutes

  2. By Train

    • Luoyang Station → White Horse Temple:
      • Bus No. 56: Approximately 50 minutes
      • Taxi: Approximately 30 minutes

  3. Self-drive Guide

    • Navigation keyword: White Horse Temple Scenic Area Parking Lot
    • Parking fee: 10 yuan per visit for small vehicles.

Spot Introduction

Shuttle bus: 20 yuan/trip

  1. Luoyang Water Banquet

    • Recommended restaurant: Zhen Bu Tong Restaurant
    • Special dishes: Peony Swan Dish, Luoyang Sliced Pork
    • Per capita consumption: 60-100 yuan

  2. Luoyang Snacks

    • Recommended location: Old City Cross Street
    • Special snacks: Bu Fan Tang (a type of soup), Fermented Noodle
    • Per capita consumption: 20-30 yuan

Special Reminders

  1. Civilized Visiting

    • Keep quiet and avoid loud noises
    • Obey the temple rules and do not enter restricted areas without permission

  2. Cultural Relic Protection

    • Do not touch cultural relics
    • Do not graffiti or inscribe on cultural relics

  3. Safety Precautions

    • Mind the steps and walk carefully
    • Elderly people and children should be accompanied

  4. Other Tips

    • It is recommended to hire a professional commentator
    • Bring drinking water
    • Prepare a sun umbrella
    • Avoid peak tourist periods such as statutory holidays,