White Horse Temple is where Chinese Buddhism began. Over 1,900 years ago, Emperor Ming of Han sent envoys to India in search of Buddhist teachings. They returned with two Indian monks and Buddhist scriptures carried by a white horse.
The temple was built to honor them and became China's first official Buddhist temple, known as the cradle of Chinese Buddhism. It is also the world's only temple that features Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles.
Travel with us, we'll help you explore its highlights and share the stories about it. You can look at our 6-Day Xi'an, Luoyang & Shaolin Highlights Tour.
White Horse TempleFacts:
- Chinese: 白马寺 Báimǎ Sì
- Location: Luolong District, Luoyang
- Ticket: RMB 35 (USD 4.9 /SGD 6.3)
- Open: 7: 40-18: 40 (summer), 8: 00-17: 30 (winter)
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Age: built in 64 AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220)
- Must-sees: the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Hall of the Great Buddha, Hall of Mahavira, Foreign Buddhist temple area, Qiyun Pagoda
- Suited to: Buddhists, history lovers
Content Preview
- How to Get to White Horse Temple
- Top Things to Do at White Horse Temple
- How to Explore the White Horse Temple
- Is White Horse Temple Wheel-chair Friendly?
- What to do near White Horse Temple
How to Get to White Horse Temple from Luoyang
You can get to White Horse Temple by car or bus. For a more comfortable and stress-free trip, we recommend using our private transfer.
By car:
We can pick you up from anywhere in Luoyang. It's the fastest and most convenient way to travel.
- From Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, it's about 23 km, and takes around 40 minutes.
- From Luoyang Railway Station, it's about 18 km, also around 40 minutes depending on traffic.
By bus:
Take Bus 56 directly from Luoyang Railway Station to White Horse Temple. The ride takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Top Things to Do at the White Horse Temple
Visit Buddhist Temples with Local Experts
Once you enter White Horse Temple, you'll explore its main halls where many visitors come to make wishes. It's said to be a very spiritual place, and you'll see people buying prayer beads as souvenirs.
The incense in the White Horse TempleAt the Hall of Heavenly Kings, people pray for peace and wealth. Our guide will tell you why each king holds a different symbolic object and what it means in Buddhist tradition.
In the Hall of the Great Buddha, many visitors come to pray for their parents' health. You will learn how Shakyamuni practiced, achieved enlightenment, and shared his teachings with the world through viewing wall paintings.
The Hall of Mahavira is where people pray for wisdom and spiritual liberation. It houses the temple's treasures, the Eighteen Arhats. If you look closely, you can still see the soft folds and fabric texture on the Arhats' robes. That's the magic of a rare Yuan Dynasty craft.
Between the Mahavira Hall and the Hall of Guidance, you can touch the ancient peach-shaped stone from the Han Dynasty. Locals believe it brings good health and wards off misfortune.
Peach-shaped stone from the Han DynastyTravel with us to White Horse Temple, soak in the spiritual atmosphere, and discover the fascinating stories behind the statues, carvings, and traditions. Interested in Chinese temples? Check our 2-Day Luoyang and Shaolin Temple Tour from Beijing.
Enjoy Tea in the Zhiyu Teahouse
Zhiyu Teahouse is a quiet place to relax when you finish the temple's visit. The word "Zhiyu" means no talking. It is beside the Thai Hall and hidden among a small bamboo grove.
Here, you can enjoy free Chinese tea, pour it yourself, and clean your cup afterwards. Lighting incense, tasting tea, appreciating calligraphy and flower arrangements. In this calm and harmonious space, you can slow down and experience the quiet spirit of Chinese Zen culture.
Snap Photos at the International Buddhist Halls
These halls were funded by the governments of India, Myanmar, and Thailand to honor White Horse Temple's role in spreading Buddhism. They are a symbol of spiritual exchange between China and other Buddhist cultures.
Step into this area and you'll feel as if you've traveled across countries in just a few steps. Each temple reflects its own style and tradition.
You could admire the red and golden elegance of the Thai Hall, full of intricate details and vivid colors. Upward shooting can better capture panoramic views.
Thai HallsWhen walking into the pure white Indian Hall with a domed roof, you'll find many mysterious statues and paintings.
Indian HallThe Burmese Hall with its striking golden spire and the massive cobra statue outside will also give you a different scene. If you're feeling bold, take a photo behind the cobra statue. It'll look like you've summoned the giant snake to guard you, like a true serpent god.
Burmese HallListen to the "Frog Call" at Qiyun Pagoda
Qiyun Pagoda sits quietly southeast of the temple's front gate with few crowds. Its name means "approaching clouds", suggesting its impressive height. This is the oldest surviving structure in the Luoyang area.
Qiyun PagodaDespite the peaceful environment, the pagoda hides a fun surprise. Stand about 20 meters south of it, just behind the incense burner near the candle stands. Clap your hands firmly, and you'll hear a clear croaking sound coming from the pagoda. It sounds just like a frog. You kids will love this little hidden surprise.
This unique echo is caused by the uneven surface of the pagoda, which reflects the sound and creates a lifelike frog call.
How to Explore the White Horse Temple
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal times to visit for milder weather and fewer crowds. A full visit to White Horse Temple takes about 2 to 3 hours.
After entering through the main gate, start with the traditional Chinese temple buildings. Then walk through a quiet bamboo path to reach the International Temples on the left. After your visit, return to the main entrance and head right to see the Qiyun Pagoda.
Tips:
- White Horse Temple is popular with both tourists and locals. It gets especially crowded on weekends and holidays. Visit on a weekday morning for a more peaceful experience.
- Tickets are available only through the official WeChat account. It's best to reserve in advance.
The site offers guided options:
- Audio guide (Chinese/English): RMB 20 (USD 2.80 / SGD 3.80) per device, RMB 200 (USD 28 / SGD 38) deposit
- Live guide (Chinese only): RMB 50 (USD 7 / SGD 9.50) per session, around 30–40 minutes. This covers the main halls but not the international section.
For a deeper and more flexible experience, we recommend booking private guided tour. Private English-speaking guides are available through our tour service. A private guide can offer the information based on your interests, and answer your questions along the way. These will make your visit more personal and engaging.
See our 8-Day Beijing, Luoyang, and Xian Tour.
Is White Horse Temple Wheel-chair Friendly?
Yes.
Most of the paths inside the temple are flat and easy to navigate. There are a few small steps and raised thresholds at the entrance of some halls, but overall the layout is very accessible. It is a comfortable place to visit for wheelchair users and travelers with limited mobility.
What to do near White Horse Temple
When you come to the White Horse Temple, don't forget to taste the famous White Horse Temple Yogurt. This kind of yogurt was once produced in the White Horse Temple. The jelly-like, soft, sweet and sour, rich and mellow yogurt can soothe your fatigue from walking.
After finishing the visit, you can spend your afternoon exploring the Longmen Grottoes, just a 35-minute drive away, or head to the Luoyang Museum, about 45 minutes from the temple.
- A visit to the Longmen Grottoes usually takes 3 to 4 hours. You'll be amazed by the thousands of intricate Buddha carvings and ancient cliffside art.
- At the Luoyang Museum, plan for 2 to 4 hours to discover fascinating ceramic figurines, and traditional Chinese paintings about peonies.
If you prefer to visit White Horse Temple in the afternoon, consider spending your evening at Luoyi Ancient City, about 30 minutes' drive from the temple. As night falls, the city's lantern-lit bridges and pavilions create a magical setting perfect for photos. We can also help you rent a hanfu outfit to complete the experience, letting you capture memories in the glow of the lantern light.
Travel with China Highlights
We offer personalized private tours to White Horse Temple and other highlights around Luoyang. Contact us to start planning your ideal Luoyang experience. We'll tailor your itinerary to match your interests, pace, and travel schedule, help you make the most of every moment.