China to expand oldest Buddhist temple

Authorities are set to expand China's oldest Buddhist temple located in Henan province.

The over 1,900-years-old Baima Temple, also known as the White Horse Temple, was the first Buddhist temple in China and is considered "the cradle of Chinese Buddhism", the Global Times reported.

A new hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, designed in Han dynasty style, and a floor space of 13,891 sq.mts, will be added to the temple.

The temple went through two major expansions - by Empress Wu in 685 A.D. and by Emperor Shizong of the Ming dynasty in 1555 A.D.