The White Horse Temple
Situated 12 kilometers east of Luoyang city with its back against Mt. Mang and its front facing the Luoshui River, White Horse Temple was built and thus named in 67 A.D. (the eleventh year of the reign of Emperor Yongping of the Eastern Han Dynasty) in commemoration of two on which two white horse carried on their backs, Buddhist scriptures from India to China.
With a history of 1,900 years, the White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist temple in Chinese history since Buddhism came to China, is magnificent in scope including many halls, chambers and towers such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira (great hero) Hall, Hall of a Thousand Buddha, Mahavairocana Chamberand the Tower of Bell and Drum. Outside the gate to the temple stands two granite horses carved in the Song Dynasty following the above legend, which look composed but vigorous. The 13-story Qiyun (cloud reaching) Pagoda by the temple is of classic beauty and elegant taste belonging to the style of cubic shaped, closed eaves brick pagodas. Inside the temple, lie the tombs of two Indian monks: Kasyapa Matanga and Gobharana.
Source: regenttour.com
Editor: Chen Yanqiu, Wang Moyan
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