White Horse Temple (Baima Si)

Traditionally The First Buddhist Temple In China, Founded In 68 CE; Major Historical And Cultural Site Protected At The National Level · Luoyang, Henan

The cradle of Buddhism in China, founded in 68 CE outside Luoyang and traditionally counted as the first Buddhist temple in the country. The story goes that the Han emperor Ming dreamed of a golden figure flying through his palace, sent envoys west to find its meaning, and they returned with two Indian monks, Kasyapa Matanga and Dharmaratna, carrying sutras and statues on the backs of white horses - hence the name. In the Cool Terrace at the back of the temple the two monks are said to have translated the Sutra of Forty-two Chapters, the first Buddhist text rendered into Chinese, and their tombs still lie in the front courtyard beneath old cypresses. Across the road stands the square brick Qiyun Pagoda, rebuilt in 1175, one of the oldest pagodas in Henan. What makes the temple unusual today is its international garden: neighbouring countries have built full-scale halls in their own styles in the grounds, so that an Indian sanctum with a domed stupa, a gilded Thai hall with a slender spire and a Burmese pagoda stand within a few minutes' walk of the ancient Chinese courtyards. Monks still chant in the main halls, and the temple is busiest during Luoyang's April peony season.

White Horse Temple, Baima Si Town, Luolong District, Luoyang, Henan, China

Daily 7:40-18:00 from April 1 to October 7 and 8:00-17:00 from October 8 to March 31 (check).

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