Luoyang, Henan, Longmen Caves

8. White Horse Temple

A short distance east of Luoyang lies the White Horse Temple (Bai Ma) that dates from the first century A.D. Reputed to be the first Buddhist monastery built in China, the name refers to the story of two envoys returning from India with two Indian monks they met along the way. The Monks transported the first Buddhist scriptures on the back of white horses.