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White Horse Temple
Introducing White Horse Temple
The White Horse Temple is a significant Buddhist temple located in Luoyang. The White Horse Temple was established in 68 AD during the reign of Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han dynasty. The temple holds the distinction of being China’s first Buddhist temple.
The temple is named after the white horse that carried the sacred Buddhist scriptures from India to China. The temple is home to the first ancient pagoda, the Qiyun Pagoda. It also accommodated the first Indian monk and stored the first Chinese Buddhist scriptures. The temple complex includes the Cool and Clear Terrace, which was the first place for translating scriptures. The temple’s influence extends far beyond China, illustrating the profound exchange of Buddhist culture among different countries today. Following its construction, Buddhism spread from China to North Korea and Japan. In the 20th century, India, Thailand, and Myanmar erected their halls within White Horse Temple, rendering it the world’s only temple with Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Burmese Buddhist architectures.
White Horse Temple Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Bai Ma Si 白马寺
• Best Time to Visit: March to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Buddhism Culture and Study
• Opening Hours: 7:40 – 18:00 (Apr – Nov), 8:00 – 17:00 (Dec – Mar)
• Entrance Fee: CNY 35
• Address: No. 6 Luobai Road, Luolong District, Luoyang, Henan Province
What to expect at White Horse Temple
Step into the temple and embark on a journey through time and spirituality. This ancient sanctuary blends history, art, and tranquility, with serene courtyards, ornate halls, architectural marvels, intricate carvings, and lush gardens inviting contemplation and reflection. Embrace the sense of reverence and wonder as you explore one of China’s most revered landmarks, where every corner whispers tales of devotion and cultural exchange.
Front Gate
The front gate of the temple, rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is a stone archway with three gates. These gates symbolize the three doors of liberation in Buddhism: emptiness, signlessness, and aimlessness. A red lintel above the gate features a tablet inscribed with “白马寺” (White Horse Temple), a relic from the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD) and the earliest-known inscription of the temple’s name. Flanking the temple are pairs of stone lions and stone horses. The horses, standing 1.75 meters (5.7 ft) high and 2.20 meters (7.2 ft) long, are large yet exhibit a gentle demeanor. Legend has it that these horses originally stood before the gravestone of Wei Xianxin, the Senior Grand Tutor and Grand Protector of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).
Tombs of Two Eminent Monks
Inside the front gate, there are two tombs erected in 1634, serving as significant historical markers. The tomb on the east side belongs to Kasyapa Matanga, while the tomb on the west side is that of Dharmaranya. These eminent Indian monks played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism in China, being renowned for their extensive work in translating numerous Buddhist scriptures into Chinese.
Hall of Heavenly Kings
The first grand hall within the temple complex, known as “The Hall of Heavenly Kings,” houses the primary deity, the Maitreya, affectionately referred to as the laughing Buddha in China, positioned prominently at the front of the hall. This revered statue is accompanied by four heavenly kings, each representing a cardinal direction of the universe. To the east stands Chiguo, the guardian of the state, wielding a Pipa instrument, while to the west, Guangmu, the Sharp-seer, holds a dragon. Zengzhang, the Growth Protector, stands in the southern direction with an umbrella, and to the north, Duowen, the Knowledge Preserver, carries a Pagoda.
Hall of Great Buddha
The central hall in White Horse Temple, known as the Hall of the Great Buddha, dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and maintains its original architectural grandeur. Inside, Sakyamuni, the Buddhist patriarch, is revered, flanked by his disciples Kasyapa and Ananda. Additionally, the hall pays homage to Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, and Samantabhadra, the Bodhisattva of Universal Benevolence.
Hall of Mahavira
The Hall of Mahavira houses statues of three principal Buddhas, with Sakyamuni Buddha at the center. On the left stands Bhaisajyaguru, and on the right, Amitabha, each accompanied by a heavenly general named Wei Tuo and Wei Li. Furthermore, statues of the Eighteen Arhats, each depicted in a unique pose and expression, line the sides of the hall, adding to the spiritual and artistic ambiance of the space.
Hall of Greetings
Sauntering along the Hall of Mahavira gives on to the Hall of Greetings, which is seldom seen in common temples. Being 14 meters (46 ft) in length and 10.7 meters (35 ft) in depth, Hall of Greetings is the smallest hall. Enshrined in the hall are Trinity of Western Paradise, that is, Amitābha in the middle, and on the left and right, Arya Avalokiteshvara with kalasa in the hand and Bodhisattva of Great Power grasping cinta mani.
Qingliang Terrace
As a piece of garden architecture, Qingliang Terrace (Cool and Clear Terrace) is a special attraction in the temple. Visitors can find it displaying many distinctive characteristics of ancient oriental architecture. The black brick-made terrace is 42.8 meters (140 ft) long, 32.4 meters (106 ft) wide, and 6 meters (19 ft) high. It is said that it used to be a summer resort and a place where a Han Dynasty Emperor studied during his boyhood. Later, it was used by two eminent Indian monks, Dharmaraksha and Kasyapa Matanga, to translate scriptures.
Vairocana Pavilion
Measuring 15.8 meters (51 ft) long and 10.6 meters (34.7 ft) wide, the pavilion features a gable and hip roof with a single eave. At the center of the pavilion is a niche housing the statue of Vairocana, flanked by Mañjuśrī on the left and Samantabhadra on the right. Together, these three figures are known in Buddhism as the “Huayen Trinity.” The pavilion is flanked by two side halls: one dedicated to Dharmaraksha and the other to Kasyapa Matanga. Mud statues of these figures are displayed in honor of their contributions to Chinese Buddhism.
Qiyun Pagoda
The Qiyun Pagoda, located 250 meters (0.15 mile) away from the temple, is a 800-year-old ancient structure in Luoyang City. The pagoda, a 13-story Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) replica, stands about 25 meters (82 feet) tall. Each story has south-facing doors that provide delightful views of the surrounding scenery, making this quaint and towering structure consistently amaze visitors.
Foreign-Style temple complexes
Beyond its renowned Chinese Buddhist architectures, the White Horse Temple welcomes visitors with a global embrace through its remarkable collection of foreign-style temple complexes. Representing nations like Thailand, Myanmar, India, and Sri Lanka, these architectural marvels embody the spirit of cultural exchange and friendship between China and these countries. Each complex, from the intricate details of a Thai-style Reliquary Tower to the vibrant colors of a Myanmar Buddha statue, narrates a story of shared faith, mutual respect, and a commitment to fostering understanding between diverse cultures. These architectural treasures offer a unique opportunity to experience the universality of Buddhist teachings within a truly global spiritual landscape.
How to get to White Horse Temple
• The White Horse Temple is located approx. 24 km (15 miles) away from Luoyang City Center.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Luoyang to White Horse Temple.
Additional travel advice on White Horse Temple
• White Horse Temple is a religious site, so visitors should dress modestly and behave with good manner. Keep quiet in the temple.
• There are two stone-caved horses made in Song Dynasty outside the gate of the temple. To protect the relics, do not ride or do scribbles on the horses.
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Tour Highlights
• Admire the awe-inspiring Longmen Grottoes, one of China's handful of surviving masterpieces of Buddhist rock carving
• Visit White Horse Temple, the very first Buddhist temple in China, having been first established in 68 AD
• Visit Guanlin Temple to Worship Guan Yu, a Taoist deity of Martial God of Wealth and also well thought of by Buddhists
• Experienced English speaking tour guide
• Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshmentsAbout This Tour
• Departure: Daily departing from Luoyang
• Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
• Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
• Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
• Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Luoyang
• Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Pick up from your accommodation in Luoyang
• Visit Longmen Grottoes (2 hours)
• Lunch on your own
• Visit White Horse Temple (1 hour)
• Visit Guanlin Temple (1 hour)
• Transfer back to your accommodation in Luoyang
Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
• If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)
1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 + $438 $248 $188 $148 $138 $128 $118 $108 $98 $88
Price Remark
• Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).
Price Inclusions
• Professional English language speaking private tour guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
• All admission tickets to sightseeing places
• All government taxesPrice Exclusions
• Hotel accommodation.
• Your personal expenses.
• Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.Additional Info
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
• The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.Cancellation Policy
• You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
• Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
• Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
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• Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
• GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
• GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
• GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
• No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
• No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.