Written by Veronica |
White Horse TempleĀ in Luoyang, the birthplace of Buddhism in China, was founded in the Eastern Han Dynasty (68 AD). It is the first Buddhist temple in ChinaĀ and a sacred place for Buddhist believers from all over the world.
The White Horse Temple is an important place for cultural exchange between Chinese and foreign Buddhists, influencing countries such as Vietnam, Korea and Japan. The temple has a profound influence on the development of Chinese Buddhism, which holds a large collection of Buddhist cultural relics and ancient books.
As a Buddhist landmark in China, it is an important attraction to explore the history of Buddhism during your travel to Luoyang.
Ā FactsĀ of White Horse TempleĀ in China:
- In Chinese: BĆ”i MĒ SƬ
- Location: Baima Temple Town, Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China(about 12 km fromĀ Luoyang city).
- Opening time:7:40-18:40 (April 1stĀ to October 7th); 8:00-17:30 (October 8thĀ to March 31st)
- Ticket price: 35yuanĀ (free for children under 1.4 meters)
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
- Best seasonsto visit: Spring and autumn
- Suited to:Ā History lovers, culture lovers, Buddhists
The HistoryĀ of White Horse Temple
In 64 AD, Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty sentĀ envoysĀ to the western regions to seek Buddhist teachings. Three years later, the envoysĀ and two Indian monks returned to Luoyang on a white horse carrying Buddhist scriptures and statues. In 68 AD, the emperorĀ ordered to buildĀ a BuddhistĀ temple.Ā The temple was named White Horse Temple in honor of the white horse carrying the scriptures.
During the Sui and Tang dynasties, due to the prosperity of Buddhism, White Horse Temple became a holy place for monks from all over the world to worship. During the Ming Dynasty, the White Horse TempleĀ was renovated to its present size and layout.
LayoutĀ of White Horse Temple ā
The Luoyang White Horse Temple has a symmetrical pattern, with the main buildings distributed on the central axis. From south to north, there are Buddhist buildings such as Hall of the Heavenly King, and ancillary buildings on both sides such as the Bell and Drum Towers.
The layout of White Horse Temple reflects the features of traditional Chinese architecture and demonstrates the solemnity of the Buddhist temple.
What to See in White Horse Temple
There are many majestic Buddhist temples in White Horse Temple, including some masterpieces of Chinese Buddhist architecture, as well as temples from Thailand, India and Myanmar. Among them, Foreign Temples, Qiyun Pagoda, and palm-leaf scriptures are the three must-visit sites.
The Hall of the Heavenly Kings
The Hall of Heavenly Kings is the first major hall in Luoyang White Horse Temple, a traditional Chinese Buddhist building. The statue of Maitreya Buddha is enshrined in the center of the hall. The statues of Four Heavenly Kings are enshrined on both sides of the hall. And the statue of Heavenly General Wei Tuo is enshrined at the back of the hall.
The Hall of the Great Buddha
This hall is the main place for Buddhist activities in White Horse Temple. The statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is situated in the center of the hall. The statue of Manjusri Bodhisattva is situated on the left side. And the statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is situated on the right side of the hall. These statues are all clay statues of the Ming Dynasty.
The Hall of Mahavira
As the largest hall in White Horse Temple, the Hall of Mahavira is built in the style of overhanging gable roof. The hall enshrines the statues of Shakyamuni, Amitabha, and Medicine Buddha, which are important Buddhist statues for Buddhists to worship.
The Hall of Guidance
This is the smallest hall in the main building of White Horse Temple. The main Buddha statues enshrined in the hall include Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, and Daisetsu Bodhisattva.
The Clear Cool Terrace
The Clear Cool Terrace is located at the highest point of Luoyang White Horse Temple. It is the first place to translate scriptures in China. After the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Clear Cool Terrace became a place to collect Buddhist scriptures at the White Horse Temple.
Pilu Pavilion
Pilu Pavilion is the last majorĀ hall built inĀ the White Horse Temple. ThereĀ are three clay statues from the Qing Dynasty, including Vairocana Buddha,Ā Manjushri and Samandhabatra Bodhisattva. Behind the pavilion is a stone tablet inscribed with Sutra in Forty-two Sections, one of the earliest Chinese translations of Buddhist scriptures.
Qiyun Pagoda
The most important pagoda in Luoyang White Horse Temple is Qiyun Pagoda, which is located about 200 meters southeast of the gate. The pagoda is one of the few architectural relics of the Jin Dynasty, with a history of nearly 2,000 years.
Foreign Temples
There are several foreign temples in White Horse Temple, which were built by Thailand, Myanmar andĀ India, reflecting the exchange of Chinese and foreign Buddhist culture.
These international Buddhist halls are all located on the west side of the White Horse Temple, of which the Thailand Buddhist temple is the largest one. These Buddhist buildings are well designed and magnificent, reflecting the Buddhist architectural features of various countries.
How to Explore Baima Temple
Best Time to Visit White Horse Temple
You can plan your Luoyang toursĀ to White Horse Temple in spring (April to May) and autumnĀ (September to November), which are the best time to visit White Horse Temple.
In spring,Ā the weatherĀ ofĀ Luoyang is mild and with mostly sunny days. Trees are lush and flowersĀ are bloomingĀ in White Horse Temple, especially cherry blossoms and peonies. You can take a lot of wonderfulĀ photosĀ of White Horse Temple during this season.
In fall, the weather of Luoyang is cool and pleasant. The leaves of the ancient trees in the White Horse Temple turn golden, forming a beautiful picture with the red walls. You can capture the beautiful scenery and spectacular Buddhist buildings of the White Horse Temple and immerse in the serene atmosphere.
Recommended Traveling Route
The Hall of the Heavenly KingsĀ āĀ The Hall of the Great Buddha āĀ The Hall of Mahavira āĀ The Hall of Guidance āĀ The Clear Cool Terrace āĀ Pilu Pavilion āĀ Zhiyu Tea House āĀ Foreign Temples (1. Thailand Buddhist temple 2. Myanmar Buddhist temple 3. Indian Buddhist Temple) āĀ Direnjieās TombāĀ Qiyun Pagoda
This route allows you to efficiently visit all the highlights while also enjoying the calmest environment and the fragrance of tea in Zhiyu tea house.
Guided Tour
The temple offers two guided options for visitors to have a more immersive exploration. Both can be found in the Customer Service Center.
- Audion Guide
This option offers both Chinese and English guidance. It costs 20 RMB per service. And a 200 RMB deposit is required.
- Live Guide
There are also real live guided tours, however, this service is only handled in Chinese. It costs 50 RMB per service, each service lasts for 30 minutes. And it mainly focuses on some of the main halls, Foreign Temples are not included.
Other Tips
- Offer Incense: You can get three pieces of environmental incense for free at the bell tower inside the temple (on the right side of The Hall of the Heavenly Kings)
- Souvenir: Thereās also a Relic Office on the left side of The Hall of the Heavenly Kings. You can buy consecrated bracelets. The site can be really crowded, prepare for long queues.
Photos: It is not allowed to take photos of the Buddhist Statues inside the halls.
How to Get to White Horse Temple
ByĀ BusĀ
If you travel to White Horse Temple from Luoyangdong Railway Station, you can take bus 56 and 58 for about 1 hour and 20 min.
If youāre traveling from LuoyangĀ downtown, you can take the bus 59/34Ā and then transfer to the busĀ 56 for about 1 hour and 40 min.
By Taxi
Take a taxi from Luoyangdong Railway Station to White Horse Temple, which takes about 24 minutes and costs 19-30 RMB.
Take a taxi from Luoyang downtown to White Horse Temple, which takes about 35 minutes and costs 29-44 RMB.
By Walk
There are many hotels around White HorseĀ Temple,Ā including starredĀ hotelĀ and quick hotel. You can choose to stay at these hotelsĀ and walk to the temple.
Attractions nearby Luoyang White Horse Temple
- Longmen Grottoes: As a World Heritage-listed site, it is one of the worldās largest treasures of stone carving art. The statues record the lives of ancient people, with great historical and cultural value.
- Luoyang Museum: There are six thematic exhibitions in this museum, which show the development of Luoyang civilization and reflect the outstanding skills of ancient craftsmen.
- Luoyang Ruins of Sui and Tang Dynasty:This is the site of the capital city in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, which has a history of over 1,400 years. It consists of the palace city, the imperial city and residential area.
- Luoyi Ancient City: Located in the old town of Luoyang, Luoyi Ancient City boasts many historical sites. Stroll around the ancient city, observe the city walls, ancient courtyards and old trees to feel the historical and cultural heritage of Luoyang.
Explore White Horse Temple in Luoyang with China Xian Tour
Luoyang is a city that carries thousands of years of cultural and historical heritage. And there are so many incredible ancient walls, towers, and temples here, each tells a piece of Luoyangās glorious past. White Horse Temple is one of them. This temple has crossed time and space and is still narrating the stories of Chinaās profound Buddhist culture. If you want a deep Luoyang exploration, including White Horse Temple, then you can choose China Xian TourĀ as your best travel partner. We can offer you all the perfect private services and customize an itinerary for you. With us guiding you through this town, youāll get a real understanding of Luoyangās everlasting beauty.
