Adventure in Luoyang Part II - Baima Si (White Horse Temple)

Founded in the 68AD, Baima Si is traditionally considered the first Buddhist temple built on Chinese soil, although the original structures have largely been replaced.

After two Han dynasty court emissaries went in search of Buddhist scriptures, they encountered two Indian monks (Kasyapa-Matanga and Dharmaratna) in Afghanistan who returned together on two white horses to Luoyang carrying Buddhist sutras and statues. The impressed emperor, Han Ming, built in the temple to house the monks; it also their resting place. Baima Si remains active, with a constant stream of worshipers.

(Source: Lonely Planet - China, DK and other sources)

Note on the pictures:
(1) Baima Si - the gate
(2) The white horse statue
(3) The temple yard I
(4) The temple yard II with another white horse