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Photo: xiquinhosilva, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A must-visit in Luoyang, White Horse Temple is revered as China’s first officially sanctioned Buddhist temple and one of the oldest in the world, dating back nearly 2,000 years. Though it has been rebuilt multiple times, it retains its historical and spiritual significance, drawing numerous domestic tourists. The temple complex also includes an international section with temples donated by Thailand, Burma, and India. The Thai Temple features a Thai marble vihara and a replica of the Chinnarat Buddha statue. The India Buddha Hall, inspired by the Sanchi Stupa and constructed with Indian marble and granite, was opened in 2008 after being proposed during Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee's visit to the temple in 2003. The Burmese-style Buddha Hall, inspired by Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda, was completed in 2014 with gates and walls modeled after the Mandalay Palace.
White Horse Temple is a Buddhist temple in Luoyang, Henan that, according to tradition, is the first Buddhist temple in China, having been first established in 68 AD under the patronage of Emperor Ming in the Eastern Han dynasty.
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白马寺
The first Buddhist temple established in China, built in 68 AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty. It is considered the cradle of Chinese Buddhism. Visitors can see the ancient pagodas, the cool and quiet halls, as well as the neighboring Indian and Thai style temples.
二里头夏都遗址博物馆
The ancient bronze age city of Erlitou is claimed by some archaeologists and historians to have been the capital of the Xia Dynasty, China's legendary first dynasty. Around 2000 artefacts from the site are displayed in this museum, which opened in October 2019.
隋唐大运河文化博物馆
When most people think of the Grand Canal of China, they usually think of the Beijing-Hangzhou canal. In fact, during the Sui and Tang dynasties, the Grand Canal ran all the way to Luoyang. It was only during the Yuan Dynasty, after the capital was moved to Beijing, that Luoyang was cut from the route. This museum displays artifacts from the time when Luoyang was the northern terminus of the canal. The main highlight is two sunken ships that were discovered in 2013. Visitors are required to make a booking on the museum’s WeChat account before visiting the museum, though this requirement is waived if you happen to be over 60 years old. You must also show your ID card or passport before being allowed to enter and the information on your ID card or passport must be consistent with the information you provided when making the booking.
洛阳民俗博物馆
洛邑古城
A cultural tourism area built in the style of an ancient Chinese city. It is known for its Tang Dynasty-style architecture, night views, and popularity as a Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) experience destination. The area includes the Wenfeng Pagoda and the site of the ancient Jin-Yuan city wall.
八路军驻洛办事处纪念馆
The museum is inside a traditional Chinese mansion built in 1831 that was originally the home of a wealthy merchant. Between 1938 and 1942, the mansion served as the Luoyang office of the Eighth Route Army, a Communist controlled group army that was created from the Red Army when the Communists and the Nationalists formed the Second United Front against Japan.