White Horse Temple

» Luoyang, He Nan

White Horse Temple Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Located 12 kilometers away from the east of Luoyang City, the White Horse Temple enjoys the reputation of the No.1 Ancient Temple of China. It stands on the south of Mangshan Mountain, and faces the Luohe River in the south.

Why to build

The White Horse Temple has a history of over 1900 years. It is the first temple built since Buddhism spread to China in the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.). Two eminent Indian monks, She Moteng and Zhu Falan were devoted to translate Buddhist sutras and write sermons in China at that time. They brought with them a white horse carrying Buddhist sutras and Buddhist figures on its back. This was the first time that Buddhism appeared in China. In order to memorize the white horse, the temple was named the White Horse Temple. It is for this reason that the temple is honored as the 'Founder's Home" and the "Cradle of Buddhism in China."

What to explore

The ancient temple is covered with green ancient trees and appears solemn and tranquil. Outside the gate, there is a pool with fences around and lovely fish in the water. It is for the believers to set free the captive animals. After crossing the pool via a stone bridge, you will enter the temple. To the east and west of the gate are the tombs of She Moteng and Zhu Falan, which are one of the six most famous sights in the temple. In the east corner stands a tablet pavilion. The Chinese characters written on the tablet are the work of a Chinese calligrapher abbot Shamen Wencai, designed during the Yuan Dynasty. They are written in his familiarly free and easy style and describe the history of the temple.

Antique architecture

The temple boasts great antique architecture which has remained intact for over 1,900 years. The Hall of Heavenly Kings, Hall of the Great Buddha, Hall of Mahavira, Hall of Guidance and the Cool and Clear Terrace appear in proper order in the temple, as they were when it was first built.

• Hall of Heavenly Kings
  Originally built in the Yuan Dynasty, this hall is the first hall inside the temple. 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 the Great Buddha
  Behind the Hall of Heavenly Kings is the Great Buddha Hall, which is the main hall of the temple. This hall boasts the most spectacular architecture in the whole temple. The roof is covered with exquisite pantiles; the upturned eaves and the bracket system reflect the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). A statue of the Buddhist patriarch Sakyamuni stands in the middle of the hall for people to make offerings to. He is flanked by two of his disciples - Kasyapa and Ananda. The one with sutra in his hands is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom - Manjusri. The other is the Bodhisattva of Universal Benevolence - Samantabhadra. All of these statues provide vivid portraits with smooth lines and demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship of the Ming Dynasty.
• Hall of Mahavira
  This is the most magnificently decorated hall in the temple. The roof is carved with colorful lotus patterns and the walls are hung with thousands of the wooden statues of Buddhist figures. In the centre of the hall stands a two-storey Buddhist shrine exquisitely carved with birds in flight and giant winding dragons which lend the shrine its awesome appearance. 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
  This hall is where the Amitabha Buddha is worshipped and is the smallest in the temple. This Buddha is in charge of the Western Paradise. On his right and left are the Bodhisattva of Moonlight and the Goddess of Mercy respectively. Both sculptures are captured in clay and were produced during the Qing Dynasty. It is said that at the words of "Amitabha Buddha," one will be led to the Paradise after death. Amitabha is therefore known as the Buddha of Guidance, hence the name of the hall.
• The Cool and Clear Terrace
  Behind the bamboo forest is The Cool and Clear Terrace, with old pine trees flourishing, and halls connecting with each other. Four sides of the terrace are piled with green bricks. The Kunlu Pavilion stands prominent on the terrace. Halls on its east and west house respectively the statues of the two eminent monks, who were buried inside the Temple Gate after they passed away. In front of the tombs are the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. The Horse Temple Bell Ring was once one of the eight great sceneries in Luoyang City.

Qiyun Pagoda

Outside the temple, there is a tiered brick pagoda named Qiyun Pagoda, which is actually the oldest of China's ancient pagodas. It is the earliest example of ancient architecture in Luoyang and also one of the most precious Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234) structures in the central plains of China. Standing south of the pagoda and clapping your hands, you will discover that the echoes you hear sound quite similar to the noise of frogs croaking. This perplexing phenomenon attracts many curious tourists every day.

Tow stone horse

Outside of the temple stand two stone horses, all in life-size. These two horses look geniality and tractability. They are the stone-carved horses made in Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), and they are the excellent artwork.

When to see

• Opening Hours: 07:30a.m. - 17:30p.m.
• Recommended time for a visit: One hour

How to get there

Take bus No. 56, 58

Attractions around » Luoyang, He Nan

Historical Site

• Longmen Grottoes
• White Horse Temple
• Guanlin Temple

Cultural Site

• Luoyang Museum

White Horse Temple Highlights

Temple & Monastery in Great China

• Shaolin Temple
• Temple of Heaven
• Jokhang Temple
• Confucius Temple
• A-Ma Temple
• Palkhor Monastery
• Sera Temple
• Drepung Temple
• Rongbuk Temple
• Songzanlin Temple
• Id Kah Mosque
• Lingyin Temple
• Labrang Temple
• Great Buddha at Lingshan
• Golden Temple
• Yuantong Temple
• Tashilhunpo Temple
• Sakya Temple
• Temple of Universal Peace
• Putuo Zongcheng Temple
• Eight Outer Temples
• Famen Temple
• Great Mosque
• Nanputuo Temple
• Jade Buddha Temple
• Town God Temple
• Confucius Temple
• Lama Temple
• White Cloud Temple
• Tar Temple
• Santa Sophia Church
• 108 Dagobas
• Memorial Temple of Lord Bao
• White Horse Temple
• Qiongzhu Temple
• Hanging Temple
• Hanshan Temple
• Gaomiao Temple at Zhongwei
• Giant Buddha Temple
• Xiangguo Temple
• Yufeng Lamastery
• Chongshansi Temple
• Dule Temple
• Anyuan Temple
• White Horse Pagoda
• Trandruk Temple
• Dai Temple
• Pagoda of Songyue Temple
• Ramoche Temple
• Guanlin Temple
• Huayan Temple
• Kaiyuan Temple
• Samye Temple
• Jinci Temple
• Confucius Temple
• Ganden Temple
• Dabeiyuan Temple
• Wuhou Memorial Temple
• Shanhua Temple
• Ruins of St. Paul's
• Temple of Universal Happiness
• Great Bell Temple
• Qingjing Mosque
• Hongfu Temple
• Dazhao Temple
• Five Pagoda Temple
• Baoguo Temple
• Wudangzhao Temple
• Shalu Temple
• Bailin Temple, Great Zen Buddhist Center
• Longhua Temple
• Jile Temple
• Chengtiansi Pagoda
• Nanguan Muslim Mosque
• Qingyanggong Temple
• Ba Xian An Temple
• Tianhou Palace
• Guiyuan Temple
• Linggu Temple
• Najiahu Mosque at Yongning
• Haibao Pagoda
• Xilitu Zhao
• Dongguan Mosque
• Jiegu Temple

White Horse Temple FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. What is about the climate in Luoyang?

  Food

1. What are the features of food in Luoyang?

  Shopping

1. What souvenirs are worth to be bought?

  Travel

1. Is Luoyang Peony Festival very famous there?

• What is about the climate in Luoyang?

  Luoyang has very typical weather for central China, characterized by distinct seasons. Spring is cold and dry. Most of the rainfall comes during the rainy season in summer time. Autumn has the most comfortable weather conditions. Winter is cold and snow is common. It has an annual average temperature of 14 C and the average precipitation is about 600mm. Autumn is the most comfortable time here, with sunny days and modest temperatures and spring is particularly pleasant when the famous peonies begin to blossom in April and May.

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• What are the features of food in Luoyang?

  Luoyang enjoys fertile soil and rich local products. As one of ancient capitals of China, it owns plenty of delicious cuisine. Luoyang Boiled Food Banquet is a must-try when visiting the city. The banquet gets its name nacause most of the dishes are soups; the dishes are also served continuously one after another like running water. Noodles coked in green soybean milk, toped with vegetable and hot pepper oil is a yummy snack. If you are craving dumplings then try Xin'an tangmian dumplings. These pork dumplings are delicious with some vinegar. Besides, the palatable carps from the Yellow River and the fresh fruits are worth to try.

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• What souvenirs are worth to be bought?

  Apart from Chinese paintings of peonies that can be bought all over Luoyang, another local specialty is Tang tri-colored glazed enamel pottery. Traditionally, most works are of horses, camels or people, but modern pieces have expanded into framed pictures of peonies or Chinese zodiac animals. Replicas of ancient bronzes are a local specialty, especially well made are the ancient wine vessels. For something that is less fragile, pick up some Heluo Stone, which come in odd shapes and colors. Additionally, the Luoyang palace lanterns are famous for their delicacy.

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• Is Luoyang Peony Festival very famous there?

  The Luoyang Peony Festival holds in April annually. It is called Luoyang peoples festival, which is as lively as they celebrate New Year. Meanwhile, many activities for tourists to appreciate beautiful peony will be held.

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