Ideas · 1st–2nd century CE

Buddhism reaches China

White Horse Temple, Luoyang (China)

Buddhism reached China along the Silk Road in the 1st century CE. Tradition says Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han dreamed of a golden figure, sent envoys west and in 68 CE founded the White Horse Temple at Luoyang for two Indian monks, though many scholars treat the story as a pious legend.

Firmer evidence comes in the 2nd century, when Central Asian monks such as the Parthian An Shigao (from 148 CE) and the Kushan Lokakṣema began translating Buddhist texts into Chinese at Luoyang.

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