How to visit White Horse Temple (Tips, Photos & Map)

The White Horse Temple in Luoyang is the first Buddhist temple in China, the important cradle of Chins’s buddhism, which was introduced into China from India in 68AD in Eastern Han Dynasty (25 AD – 220 AD) , the same year when the white horse temple was built.

The name of “White Horse Temple” was given by Emperor Ming in Eastern Dynasty to honor two white horses carrying the two monks, namely Matanga and Gobharana, who came from India to Luoyang aimed at spreading Buddhism and translated the Buddhist scriptures into the Chinese language.

Now the main buildings in the temple compound were rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912). Along the axis from south to north there are several buildings including Shamen, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Great Buddhism, the Hall of Hall of Mahavira, Hall of Greetings, Cool and Clear Terrace.

The highlights of the white Horse Temple lie in its long history and great architecture. Now follow me into the world famous White Horse Temple.

The white horse temple is located about 20km east of Luoyang City center. You may take the public bus No.56 starting from Luoyang Railway Station and ending at the White Horse Temple. Or you may take a taxi (RMB 50) directly from downtown Lulyang to the entrance to White Horse.

Entrance (景点大门)

Shanmen Hall (山门)

Shanmen Hall, which means the entrance of the temple. Shanmen Hall means the entrannce to the temple.

The Hall of Heavenly Kings (天王殿)

The hall honors the statue of Maitreya, popularly known as the laughing Buddha,sitting right at the forefront of the hall. On both sides of the statue there are four heavenly kings, each representing one fourth of the universe.

Great Buddha Hall (大佛殿)

It houses a statue of the Buddhist founder – Sakyamuni standing in the middle of the hall. He is flanked by two of his disciples – Kasyapa and Ananda.

The high incense burner placed front of Great Buddha Hall

Again a cone incense burner in an oblong shape placed in front of the Great Buddha Hall

Hall of Mahavira (大雄宝殿)

Behind Great Buddha Hall stands the Hall of Mahavira in which there are statues of three principal Buddhas. The statue in the middle is the Sakyamuni Buddha.

The statue is accompanied on the left by the Bhavisyajya guru and on the right by Amitabha. They are protected by two heavenly generals named Weituo and Weili.

Hall of Greetings (接引殿)

The Hall of greeting is the smallest hall in the temple compound. This small hall houses the statues of three western paradise (Indian) saints.

Cool and Clear Terrace (清凉台)

The terrace is 43m long, 33mwide and 6m high, one of the most beautiful places in the temple.

Kunlu Pavilion (昆卢阁)

The terrace also has a pavilion – Kunlu Pavilion with halls on its east and west that house the statues of the two eminent monks, She Moteng and Zhu Falan.

Plum blossoms and tablets by the red wall

After you visit the white horse temple, you are highly recommended to take the Bus no.56 by the roadside.

Normally you will get a seat on the bus since White Horse Temple is the starting point from east. boarding the Bus No.56

Bus No.56 Stop Sign

On a bus running from White Horse Temple to Luoyang Railway Station

Tip:  Hassle-free Luoyang Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for Luoyang Guided Tours:

Further Readings

Any questions, just drop a line.