White Horse Pagoda, Dunhuang, Buddhist monument in Dunhuang, China.
The White Horse Pagoda is a nine-story tower built from adobe bricks on an octagonal base, standing in the desert southwest of Dunhuang. It rises clearly above the flat, dry land around it and can be seen from a distance.
The pagoda was built during the Former Qin period to honor a horse that died during a Buddhist pilgrimage along the Silk Road. It marks an early moment in the spread of Buddhism through Central Asia.
The pagoda takes its name from the horse that accompanied a Buddhist monk on his long journey carrying sacred texts. Visitors today find incense burners and small offerings left by people who come to pay respect to the animal.
The site sits in open desert, so visitors should bring water and sun protection, as shade is almost nonexistent. Going in the early morning or late afternoon makes the heat more manageable.
The hanging bells along the tower edges produce sounds when desert wind passes through them, which is especially noticeable on windy days. The horse's ashes are said to be buried beneath the foundation, making this an actual burial site, not only a memorial.
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