Baimasi Town, People's Republic of China

White Horse Temple

Baimasi Town, People's Republic of China

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan Province stands as the first Buddhist temple in China, traditionally established in 68 AD under Emperor Ming during the Eastern Han dynasty. Located approximately 12–13 kilometres east of the ancient capital, the temple derives its name from the white horses that, according to legend, brought Indian monks to China. Though modest compared to many Chinese temples, it is revered as "the cradle of Chinese Buddhism." The main buildings were reconstructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties, then refurbished in the 1950s and again in 1973 following the Cultural Revolution. The sprawling 13-hectare complex comprises numerous halls divided by courtyards and manicured gardens, housing significant Buddhist statues including Śākyamuni Buddha, Maitreya, Amitābha, the Jade Buddha, and Bodhisattvas such as Guanyin, along with stone sculptures of the two white horses and mythical lions at the entrance. Recent international restoration projects, notably a 2008 collaboration with India, added the Sanchi Stupa and Sarnath Buddha statue. It holds designation as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.

Movement

Chinese architecture

Built: 0068
Type: Buddhist temple
Heritage: National Key Buddhist Temples in Han Chinese Area, Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level
Place: Baimasi Town, People's Republic of China

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Location

34.72389, 112.59972