Baima Temple (Baima Si) is one of the most impressive and truly holy temples in the entire Henan province and is considered by many as being one of the oldest in China.
Legend has it that white horses carried the first scriptures from India to this spot in 68AD, hence the name (meaning White Horse Temple) and the prevalence of horse statues about the entire area. At this time, Buddhism in India and Nepal had just reached its peak and this was almost certainly the first time Buddhism had reached China.
The temple was initially built to house the two statues and the sutra books the explorers brought back with them from India on horseback. The temple was completed within a few years but has been repeatedly renovated and expanded following heavy periods of destruction and warfare.
Most of the statues here today date back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and the reign of the Mongolians over China. Inside, the temple complex is refreshingly peaceful and leafy with a large statue of Sakyamuni—the original Buddha—dominating the main hall. The most charming aspect of this place, is that this is one of the few remaining working temples in the city. The fruit on the altars, cloth suspended from the ceiling and candles burning are all testament to this.
