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White Horse Temple [17u.net] |
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- Location: Luoyang City, Henan Province
The Baima Temple (白馬寺) (White Horse Temple) in Luoyang, Henan Province was established under the patronage of Emperor Ming in 68 AD in the Eastern Han Dynasty when Buddhism started to spread. Baima Temple was the first Buddhist Temple in China.
Baima Temple has been through many changes. What we see today is a rectangular courtyard complex facing south, reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), covering an area of 40,000 square meters and a roofed entrance arch with three doorways. The entrance features blue stones, including several pieces from the Eastern Han Dynasty.
All of the halls, which house statues of Sakyamuni, Maitreya, Amitabha, the Buddha of Medicine, and various bodhisattvas, are built on the central axis following the terrain, and each hall stands higher than the one in front. The Qiyun Pagoda was built after the temple was renamed Baima Temple and is known as China's first pagoda.
Travel Tips:
- Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Admission: 35 yuan
- Transportation: Bus no. 56 is a non-stop service which reaches the temple in one hour