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Cradle of Chinese Buddhism home to four nations' Buddhist architecture

Travel 18:53, 29-Apr-2026

CGTN

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The main gate of White Horse Temple is seen in Luoyang, Henan Province. /CGTN

Founded in AD 68 during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan Province is China's first state-established Buddhist temple following the introduction of Buddhism, and is regarded as the cradle of Chinese Buddhism.

A view of White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan Province. /CGTN

A hall and two ancient trees are seen at White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan Province. /CGTN

The temple houses an exceptional collection of Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) dry-lacquer sculptures, including the renowned Eighteen Arhats.

People visit Qiyun Pagoda at White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan Province. /CGTN

In a courtyard outside the main gate stands Qiyun Pagoda, originally built in AD 69 and rebuilt in 1175 during the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). Rising 35 meters with 13 stories, it is one of Luoyang's oldest surviving ancient structures.

People visit the Thai-style Buddhist temple at White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan Province. /CGTN

A view of the Thai-style Buddhist temple at White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan Province. /CGTN

People visit the Burmese-style Buddhist pagoda at White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan Province. /CGTN

A statue is seen at the Burmese-style Buddhist pagoda area at White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan Province. /CGTN

People visit the Indian-style Buddhist temple at White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan Province. /CGTN

A view of the Indian-style Buddhist temple at White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan Province. /CGTN

Over the centuries, White Horse Temple played a key role in spreading Buddhism across Asia and beyond. Today, it is an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide. Structures funded by the governments of Thailand, India and Myanmar have made it the world's only temple complex showcasing Buddhist architecture in the styles of China, Thailand, India and Myanmar.