White Horse Temple in Luoyang
Attractions Overview: The First Buddhist Temple in China
Attraction Type: Temple, Architecture
Chinese Name:白马寺
English Name: White Horse Temple
Best Time to Visit: All Year Around
Recommended Visiting Time: 2 Hours
Open Hours: 07:30-18:00
Admission Fee: 50 RMB / Person
Address in English: No. 6 Luoyang road, Luolong district, Luoyang, China
Address in Chinese:洛阳市洛龙区白马寺镇洛白路6号
Why is White Horse Temple So Special?
As the first Buddha temple in China, White Horse Temple has so many “First Things” here: The first ancient pagoda, Qiyun Pagoda; The first Indian monk lived; The first Chinese Buddhist scriptures stored; The first translating scripture place- Cool and Clear Terrace; The first Chinese monk entering; etc.
The temple was founded in AD 68 during the Eastern Han Dynasty, with a history of thousands of history. It is the first Buddhist temple in China after Buddhism was introduced into China, as well as a famous Buddhist Temple in the world. It is honored as ‘the Cradle of Buddhism in China’.
Where is White Horse Temple?
The White Horse Temple is located 12 kilometers away from the east of Luoyang City, Henan Province. Address in English: No. 6 Luoyang road, Luolong district, Luoyang, China. Address in Chinese:河南省洛阳市洛龙区白马寺镇洛白路6号. The temple is about 115 km from Zhengzhou City (郑州市), the capital of Henan province (河南省).
How to Get There?
Travel with China Dragon Tours (top recommended)
If you want to get rid of hustle of transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to White Horse Temple with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on travel.
Independent Travel
For independent travelers you can
You can take public bus No.56 from Luoyang Railway Station and get off at the last stop; or take Public Bus No.65 from Longmen High-speed Railway Station and get off at Guanlin Market Station, then transfer to Bus No.58. to get there.
History of White Horse Temple
According to historical legend, Emperor Mingdi of the Eastern Han Dynasty dreamed of a golden man flying above the courtyard. After he woke up, he was delighted and sent envoys to western regions to invite Buddha and learn Buddhism. The two envoys underwent much hardship and met two eminent Indian dignitaries- She Moteng (摄摩腾) and Zhu Falan(竺法兰). Under their invitation, the two monks came to China with them and a white horse carrying the sutras together. In the year of AD 68, the emperor ordered to build a temple to keep the scriptures. In order to memorize the white horse for its carrying back of the sutras, the temple was named the White Horse Temple.
Must-sees in White Horse Temple
Hall of Heavenly Kings
This hall was originally built in the Yuan Dynasty. In the middle of the hall sits a laughing Buddha – Maitreya. It is said that the Buddha was once incarnated as a beggar monk with a purse, which actually contained all the treasures of the world. The shrine is made of wood with over 50 vivid dragons carved into it and is truly a remarkable example of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) culture. On either side of Maitreya stand the four majestic ‘Celestial Kings’. Each holds a different weapon and all four are clay sculptures moulded during the Qing Dynasty.
Hall of Mahavira
With 22.8 meters long and 14.2 meters wide, it’s the biggest hall here. Among the thousands Buddha statues, the Sakyamuni, Amitabha, the Medicine Buddha and the eighteen arhats standing around are all made from silk and hemp, which are most precious. The three saints Sakyamuni, Amitabha and the Buddha of Medicine look jovial with the eighteen arhats standing around and all are made from silk and hemp. Each one weighs only three to five kilograms (about seven to eleven pounds). The colors on these statues are still as fresh today as when they were first produced during the Yuan Dynasty. They are priceless treasures of the nation.
Hall of Guidance
It is the smallest hall in White Horse Temple. The Hall of Guidance has deified statues of three Western Paradise saints. Amitabha is at the center and is flanked by the Goddess of Mercy on the left and the Bodhisattva of Moonlight on the right. According to Buddhism, when a Buddhist reaches a certain level with certain achievements, Amitabha Buddha guides them to the Western Paradise.
Useful Travel Tips
- Hats and shoes should always be removed before entering a temple. You can leave your shoes outside the temple in the designated area and hold your hat in your hands or put it away during your visit.
- Cover Yourself. This is the rule most ignored by tourists who dress for the heat in countries around Southeast Asia. Shoulders should be covered and long pants should be worn rather than shorts. Some temples in tourist places may be more lenient, but your modesty will be appreciated.
