White Horse Temple

Introducing White Horse Temple
The White Horse Temple is located 12 kilometers away from the east of Luoyang City. The temple enjoys the reputation of the No.1 Ancient Temple of China. It lies on the south of Mangshan Mountain, and faces the Luohe River in the south. The construction of the White Horse Temple started in the 11th year (68) during the Yongping reign of Emperor Mingdi in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). As the first Buddhist temple in China, the White Horse Temple plays a significant role in the history of Chinese Buddhism and China’s international cultural exchanges. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the People’s Government paid much attention to the temple and thoroughly restored it several times from 1952 to 1973. The White Horse Temple has become an attraction to domestic and foreign tourists.

White Horse Temple Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Bai Ma Si 白马寺
• Best Time to Visit: March to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Buddhism Culture and Study
• Opening Hours: 07:30-19:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY 50
• Address: No. 6 Luobai Road, Luolong District, Luoyang, Henan Province

What to expect at White Horse Temple

The White Horse Temple has a history of over 1900 years. The White Horse Temple is the first temple built since Buddhism spread to China in the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). According to historical records, Emperor Mingdi of the Eastern Han Dynasty dreamed of a golden man flying above the courtyard. After he woke up, the emperor sent Cai Yin and Qin Jing as envoys to western regions to invite Buddha and learn Buddhism. The two envoys underwent much hardship and met two eminent Indian dignitaries She Moteng and Zhu Falan on the way. Cai Yin and Qin Jing came back to Luoyang City with the two monks, and a white horse carrying the sutras. Emperor Mingdi ordered the construction of the temple to the north of the imperial road outside the Xiyong Gate of Luoyang City. The White Horse Temple, built after the style of Indian temples, was the place for She Moteng and Zhu Falan to translate Buddhist sutras and write sermons. In order to memorize the white horse for its carrying back of the sutras, the temple was named the White Horse Temple.

The main temple buildings, a large complex, were reconstructed during the Ming (1368 to 1644) and Qing (1644 to 1912) dynasties. They were refurbished in the 1950s, and again in March 1973. It has numerous halls divided by courtyards and manicured gardens, covering an area of about 13 hectares (32 acres). The display plaques in Chinese and English give ample descriptions of the Buddhist deities installed in the halls. Significant statues include Śākyamuni Buddha, Maitreya (the laughing Buddha in China), the Jade Buddha, figures of saints such as Guru Avalokiteśvara, Amitābha and arhats and stone statues of the two white horses which brought the Indian monks to China and two mythical lions at the entrance.

How to get to White Horse Temple
• Take bus 56/K56, 58/K58, or 87 to Baimasi.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Luoyang to White Horse Temple.

Additional travel advice on White Horse Temple
• White Horse Temple is a religious site, so visitors should dress modestly and behave with good manner. Keep quiet in the temple.
• There are two stone-caved horses made in Song Dynasty outside the gate of the temple. To protect the relics, do not ride or do scribbles on the horses.