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Baima Temple

The Baima Temple (Baima Si) is one of ( if not the), oldest Buddhist Temple in China. From the outside, the Baima Temple looks as if it houses the common collection of ornaments, decorated with cartoon style colors and images that are so prevalent in many of China's cities. However, this is in fact one of the most impressive and truly holy temples in the entire province.

Legend has it that white horses carried the first scriptures from India to this spot in 68 AD, 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 on horseback brought back with them from India. 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 and the reign of the Mongolians over China. Inside, the Temple complex is refreshingly peaceful and leafy with a large statue of Sakyamuni dominating the main hall. The most charming aspect of this place, is that this 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. This factor should be borne in mind by travelers and rituals and traditions respected by visitors.