White Horse Temple

Welcome to the White Horse Temple, or Baima Si, arguably the most important Buddhist site in East Asian history. Established in 68 AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty, this is considered the very first Buddhist temple ever built in…

Our exploration begins at the main entrance, where two stone horses stand guard. These statues, though dating from a later period, commemorate the legendary white horses that carried the first scriptures into China. …

The first major building we encounter is the Hall of Heavenly Kings. At the center of the hall, you will find a magnificent wooden niche housing a statue of Maitreya Buddha, the 'Laughing Buddha.' With his round belly and joyful…

Continuing north, we reach the Great Buddha Hall, the spiritual heart of the complex. This hall is one of the most impressive structures in the temple, featuring an extraordinary double-layer wooden shrine. …

Further along the axis, we find the Hall of Guidance (Jie Yin Dian), dedicated to Amitabha Buddha, who guides believers to the Western Pure Land. Accompanied by the Bodhisattvas of Mercy (Guanyin) and Wisdom (Mahasthamaprapta),…

The Cooling Terrace, or Qingliang Terrace, is perhaps the most historically significant spot in the entire temple. This elevated brick platform is said to be the original place where the two Indian monks, She Moteng and Zhu…

A short walk from the main temple complex brings us to the Qiyun Pagoda, located in its own peaceful park. This pagoda is a rare and beautiful example of Jin Dynasty architecture, rebuilt in 1175 after the original Tang-era…

As we conclude our visit to the White Horse Temple, we reflect on its status as the 'Cradle of Chinese Buddhism.' For nearly two thousand years, this has been a site of pilgrimage, translation, and devotion. It is where the first…