The most overlooked classic of the White Horse Temple—Qiyun Pagoda

The existing temple buildings of the White Horse Temple were all built during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, but the only one that truly embodies a sense of historical weight is the Qiyun Pagoda. It is the sole tangible evidence that can interpret the long history of the White Horse Temple, and it is also the most worthwhile ancient relic to see in the White Horse Temple scenic area. The Qiyun Pagoda is located 200 meters southeast outside the mountain gate of the White Horse Temple, not within the temple itself, but in a courtyard surrounded by walls. Passing through the solemn gatehouse hanging with the plaque 'The First Bhikkhuni Dojo in the Central Plains', one finds the courtyard of the Qiyun Pagoda tranquil, with ancient trees reaching to the sky, green shade covering the sun. In contrast to the bustling White Horse Temple, this place is relatively quiet, with no tour groups and few visitors, yet it is one of the important sights of the White Horse Temple and the most classic that should not be overlooked. The Qiyun Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in China, was originally built in the 12th year of the Yongping era (69 AD) during the Eastern Han Dynasty, originally named 'Sakyamuni Relic Pagoda', as a nine-story wooden pagoda. It was destroyed in wars several times and was rebuilt in the 15th year of the Dading era (1175 AD) of the Jin Dynasty as a 35-meter-high thirteen-level brick pagoda, which stands to this day. It is the earliest existing ancient building on the ground in the ancient capital Luoyang and one of the few remaining Jin Dynasty architectural relics in the Central Plains. The Qiyun Pagoda towers into the clouds with a graceful outline and a strong sense of history. It is said that if you clap your hands forcefully about twenty meters south of the pagoda, a frog-like echo will come from the body of the pagoda, which is quite interesting and definitely worth a try (when there are few people around). Oh, and not far from the Qiyun Pagoda courtyard is the tomb of Di Renjie, a famous prime minister of the Tang Dynasty, who was buried at the White Horse Temple after his death in 870 AD.