White Horse Pagoda, Dunhuang

The White Horse Pagoda is a nine-level structure built from adobe bricks with an octagonal base standing in the desert southwest of town. The building rises above the surrounding landscape and serves as a visible landmark in the arid terrain.

The pagoda was built during the Former Qin period and commemorates a Buddhist monk whose horse carried sacred texts along the Silk Road trade routes. The site represents an important moment in the spread of Buddhism through Central Asia.

The pagoda honors the bond between Buddhist monks and the animals that aided their spiritual missions across the region. This connection reflects how local people continue to view the site as a space of reverence and remembrance.

The site lies in the desert area southwest of the city and is accessible by several transportation methods. Visitors should prepare for desert heat and dry conditions, bringing suitable clothing and water for the visit.

The structure features lotus petal carvings and hanging bells that produce sounds when the desert wind moves through them. These artistic elements blend practical purpose with religious meaning in the arid setting.