White Horse Temple Tour Guide to Avoid Pitfalls

The White Horse Temple, as the birthplace of Buddhism in China, is the first government-run temple established during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Not only does it feature Chinese Buddhist architecture, but it also has characteristic temple buildings from India, Myanmar, Thailand, and other countries, making it a must-visit attraction in Luoyang. The opening hours of the White Horse Temple are from 7:40 am to 6:00 pm. To fully explore the entire temple, it is recommended to reserve at least two hours. The ticket price is relatively affordable, at 35 yuan per person, with half-price discounts available for minors, students, military personnel, seniors, and teachers; don't forget to bring your relevant documents. Due to the distance from the city center, taxi fares can be high; my last taxi ride there cost 60 yuan, which was a bit painful. However, public transportation is also very convenient, with buses 56, 58, and 802 going directly to the White Horse Temple. Driving there is also a good option, with many cheap parking lots nearby. Recommended tour route: Start from the temple gate, pass through the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Great Buddha Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the Jieyin Hall, the Qingliang Platform, and the Zhiyu Tea House, followed by the Thai Buddha Hall, the Myanmar Buddha Hall, the Indian Buddha Hall, the tomb of Di Renjie, and the Qiyun Pagoda Courtyard. You can hire a guide at the visitor service center for 50 yuan to explain the five main halls; their explanations are very detailed and provide a lot of interesting knowledge. You can join a group with other tourists for a better deal. Upon disembarking, you might encounter aunties selling incense; you can try to bargain, but if they don't lower the price, it's okay, as the stalls at the entrance might be cheaper. There is also a connection point at the entrance of the main hall where you can get three sticks of incense for free. The White Horse Temple is famous for its bracelets, and although I didn't get the most popular small pumpkin style, there are many other beautiful bracelets available. Next to the Dharma distribution point, there are various pendants and necklaces, all very exquisite. There are many birds and cats in the temple; you can bring some coarse grains or cat treats to feed them, which is also a good deed. After visiting the five main halls, be sure to sit in the Zhiyu Tea House, where free tea is provided, and the environment is suitable for taking photos, but remember to keep quiet. Finally, here are some reminders: Do not take pictures of the Buddha statues inside the halls to avoid disrespect; if you have leftover incense, you can leave it at the connection point; when offering incense, start from the first layer and do not backtrack; the wishes made at the Jieyin Hall are very effective, but remember to return to fulfill your vows; the White Horse Temple has different beauties in each season and is worth a visit; you can bring some snacks and drinks, as there may not be sales points in the park, and you can replenish your energy during the tour.