White Horse Temple

Historical Overview

AD 68: Founded by Emperor Mingdi of the Eastern Han Dynasty after a dream of a golden deity led to the dispatch of envoys to India, who returned with Buddhist scriptures and two monks, Kasyapa Matanga and Dharmaratna.

Tang Dynasty (7th–10th Century): Reached its zenith as a center for Buddhist study, hosting renowned monks like Xuanzang.

Song Dynasty (10th–13th Century): Rebuilt and expanded, with the current layout largely preserved from this period.

19th–20th Century: Survived wars and upheavals, with restoration efforts in the 1970s and 1980s reviving its grandeur.

21st Century: Designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, hosting international Buddhist conferences and cultural exchanges.

Structural Layout

The temple’s layout follows traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture, with a central axis and symmetrical wings:

Mountain Gate (Shanmen): The grand entrance flanked by guardian deities.

Hall of Heavenly Kings (Tianwang Dian): Houses statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, symbolizing protection and harmony.

Hall of Mahavira (Daxiongbaodian): The main hall, housing a gilded statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, flanked by Bodhisattvas Manjusri and Samantabhadra.

Cooling Tower (Qielou): A two-story pavilion housing ancient Buddhist scriptures and relics.

Pagoda Forest: Six brick pagodas from the Tang to Ming dynasties, including the Qipan Pagoda (10th century).

India-Style Hall (Yindushi Fojiao Dian): A unique structure built in 1942, blending Indian and Chinese architectural elements.

Dharma Hall (Fajiao Dian): Features murals depicting the journey of Buddhist scriptures to China.

Major Attractions

Hall of Mahavira: The temple’s heart, with a 16.5-meter-tall Sakyamuni statue carved from a single white marble block (Ming Dynasty).

Pagoda Forest: A cluster of ancient pagodas, including the octagonal Qipan Pagoda, known for its intricate brick carvings.

India-Style Hall: A rare example of Indo-Chinese architectural fusion, with vaulted ceilings and carved pillars.

Stele of the Six Translators: A Tang Dynasty stele commemorating monks who translated Buddhist texts into Chinese.

Peace Bell: A 2,000-kg bronze bell cast in 1991, rung during Festivals for auspicious blessings.

Cultural Significance

Buddhist Pilgrimage Site: The birthplace of Chinese Buddhism, attracting monks and scholars for centuries.

Architectural Heritage: Showcases the evolution of Buddhist temple design, from the Tang to the Qing dynasties.

Silk Road Legacy: Embodies cultural exchange between China, India, and Central Asia, as evidenced by its statues and scriptures.

Literary Inspiration: Mentioned in classic texts like Journey to the West, where it is the starting point of Xuanzang’s pilgrimage.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Route (1–2 Hours)

Mountain Gate → Hall of Heavenly Kings → Hall of Mahavira → Pagoda Forest → India-Style Hall.

Highlights: Iconic statues, pagodas, and architectural diversity.

Cultural Depth Route (3–4 Hours)

Mountain Gate → Hall of Heavenly Kings → Hall of Mahavira → Cooling Tower → Stele of the Six Translators → Dharma Hall → India-Style Hall → Peace Bell.

Highlights: Historical relics, scriptures, and the temple’s role in Buddhism’s spread.

All-Day Exploration (Full Day)

Morning: Main halls, pagodas, and stele pavilion.

Afternoon: Dharma Hall, India-Style Hall, and participation in Buddhist rituals (e.g., chanting, meditation).

Evening: Attend a lecture on Buddhist philosophy or explore the temple gardens.

Highlights: Comprehensive cultural immersion, including interactive experiences.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via official platforms (WeChat, Ctrip) up to 7 days in advance.

On-Site: Adults ¥35; students/seniors ¥17.50; free for children under 1.2m.

Guided Tours: ¥100–200 for 2-hour tours (English/Chinese).

Transportation

By Subway: Luoyang Metro Line 1 to Baima Temple Station (Exit D), 5-minute walk.

By Bus: Routes 56, 58, 87, or 91 to Baima Si Stop.

By Taxi: Direct to “Báimǎ Sì”

Parking: On-site parking available (¥5/hour).

Best Time & Tips

Avoid Crowds: Visit early morning (8–10 AM) or weekdays.

Festivals: Attend the Buddha’s Birthday celebrations (April/May) or Lantern Festival (February) for vibrant rituals.

Dress Code: Modest clothing recommended (shoulders and knees covered).

Essentials: Bring cash for offerings; photography allowed (no flash in halls).

Prohibited Items: Alcohol, meat, and loud behavior.