History:

The White Horse Pagoda, which is located in Dunhuang in China, is one of the oldest buildings in the city and dates back to the 6th century. It stands at the northern entrance to Shazhou Park, overlooking the modern town of Dunhuang. The White Horse Pagoda was originally a temple of the Northern Wei Dynasty and is variously known as ‘White Horse Temple’, ‘Clouds of Phoenix Tower’ and ‘Six Kings of Dharma Hall’ or ‘God Pagoda’ among local people. Legend has it that the Ashoka Pillar which is carved with Buddhist sutras was brought to the White Horse Pagoda from India by 500 white horses during the Tang Dynasty. It was believed that the Temple housed the first ruling powers and wisdom of Chinese Buddhism. Up to this day, one can find two red pillars with Buddhist mantras and sculptures beside the entrance. Inside the pagoda, there are statues of Sakyamuni, altars, and stone inscriptions with sutras and steles. The White Horse Pagoda is a typical monument of the north and is a symbol of reconciliation between the two branches of Buddism: Hinayana and Mahayana. It is one of the best temple in China which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The White Horse Pagoda is located in the ancient city of Dunhuang in Gansu Province, China. 2. It is located at the western crest of renowned Mingsha Mountain in the Nine-Bend Trail of the Silk Road. 3. It is the oldest existing pagoda in Gansu Province, and has a history of more than 1,400 years. 4. Built during the Northern Wei Dynasty in 386AD, the seven-storey pagoda stands at 35 metres tall. 5. The octagonal-shaped pagoda features frescos on its walls, which depict Buddha’s life stories. 6. The White Horse Pagoda is formed by two separate towers that are connected by a connecting passage. 7. The two structures were initially made of wood but have since been reconstructed with brick and stone. 8. During Chinese New Year celebrations, the locals burn incense and paper offerings around the pagoda as part of their customs and beliefs. 9. The pagoda is surrounded by a lush garden with weeping willow trees, cypresses, and Mandarin orange trees. 10. The White Horse Pagoda is now a protected cultural relic and a popular tourist site in Dunhuang. Here are some facts about the China temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in China

Worship Method:

The White Horse Pagoda of Dunhuang was a Buddhist temple built in 386 AD in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, China. The main method of worship was to recite Buddhist sutras, particularly the Heart Sutra (Xinjing). This sutra, also known as the Diamond Sutra, contains the essence of Mahayana Buddhism. Buddhists believed that reciting the Xinjing would bring a blessing that would ward off evil and bring good fortune. Other forms of worship at the White Horse Pagoda included burning incense, making offerings of food to the monks, and chanting of mantras. Chanting was a means of calming the mind and focusing attention on the essence of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, the Three Jewels (triratna). This was done for spiritual cultivation and self-improvement. Finally, worshippers would make a pilgrimage to the White Horse Pagoda to experience the sacredness of the site. Here, monks would provide spiritual guidance, meditations, and other teachings. Worshippers would also take time to simply contemplate the views, admire the architecture, and pay respects to great teachers and sages who had been enshrined within the structure. This most visited temple in China

Opening Timing:

White Horse Pagoda in Dunhuang is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm every day. top temples in China

How to reach:

The White Horse Pagoda in Dunhuang, in the Gobi Desert region of northwest China, is accessible by plane, train, or bus. By plane: There are multiple airports in the Gansu province where Dunhuang is located. The best option is the Dunhuang Airport (DNH), which is located 8 km to the east of the city. From there, you can take a taxi to the White Horse Pagoda. By train: Dunhuang Railway Station is located 1.5 km north of the city center. It serves as the link between the city and many cities in the region, including Yinchuan, Lanzhou, Xining, Lanxin, Xian Shaanxi, and Zhangye. From the train station, you can take a taxi to the White Horse Pagoda. By bus: You can take the bus from other cities in the Gansu province to the Dunhuang bus station, which is located to the south of the city. From there, you can take a taxi to the White Horse Pagoda. famous temples in China