White Horse Pagoda
白马塔
A nine-tier earthen pagoda commemorating the white horse of the eminent monk Kumarajiva. It is a rare ancient Buddhist relic in the Dunhuang city area.
The White Horse Pagoda stands on the west bank of the Danghe River, southwest of Dunhuang city. Legend says that during the Sixteen Kingdoms period, the eminent monk Kumarajiva, traveling east to spread Buddhism, passed through Dunhuang. His white horse died here, and local people built this pagoda in its memory. The surviving tower was rebuilt in the Qing dynasty. It is a nine-tier, inverted-bowl style adobe pagoda about 12 meters tall. Its white body stands out clearly against the blue sky. The surrounding area has been developed into the White Horse Pagoda Temple. Entry is cheap or free (confirm on site). A visit takes about 30 minutes. A taxi from the city center takes about 10 minutes. You can combine it with the Dunhuang Museum and the night market in the same evening.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Dunhuang Museum
- Reverse-Pipa Statue & Danghe Riverside
- Dunhuang Night Market
- Dunhuang Grand Show
- Leiyin Temple
- Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake
- Dunhuang Music & Dance Immersive Show
- Encore Dunhuang