visit shaolin temple

• Find a Tour
• China Tours
• Student Tours
• MICE Travel
• Destinations
• Virtual Tours
• Shaolin Temple Travel Tips & Tours, Luoyang

Shaolin Temple

Located about 31 miles (50 km) southeast of Luoyang , the Shaolin Temple, or Shaolin Monastery, is one of the main Zen Buddhist temples in China. The Shaolin Temple and its Pagoda Forest were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

Highlight and Travel Tips

Believed to have been founded in the 5th century, the Shaolin Temple consists of a complex rebuilt in the 20th century adjoined to a Pagoda Forest.

The temple complex, with its picturesque gardens, is pleasant to stroll in. While the buildings are similar to many others in China, the unique Pagoda Forest is perhaps the most interesting part of the Shaolin Temple.

The Pagoda Forest, about 0.19 miles (300 m) from the complex, was a burial ground for eminent monks in the long history of the temple. Each pagoda holds a tomb and there are so many scattered close together that the site resembles a forest.

What makes the Shaolin Temple extremely famous in China and abroad is its Shaolin Kungfu, one of the largest and best-known sects of Chinese Kungfu. This is largely due to the many books and movies depicting this kind of martial art. Today, you can still see young students and monks learning Kungfu in the scenic area.

Included in the entrance ticket, there is a fantastic Kungfu show at the temple's Martial Arts Hall. The performance lasts about 30 minutes and runs at regular times throughout the day. To avoid the long queues we recommend getting there 20 minutes before the show.

Like many temples in China, the Shaolin Temple is rather commercialized and it gets crowded, so we do not recommend visiting on weekends or during Chinese public holidays.

It takes 20 minutes walking from the check-in to the temple complex and the Pagoda Forest. If you prefer not to walk, you can opt for an electric cart at an additional cost.

Kungfu Class

No martial art is more famous in China than Shaolin Kungfu, a sport made famous by international superstars like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li. For Chinese Kungfu fans, we can arrange a Shaolin Kungfu class. Depending on how in-depth you want to learn it, you may participate in a one-hour class or stay for a few days.

Sanhuangzhai Scenic Area (Mount Song)

Many visitors tour only the Shaolin Temple and the Pagoda Forest, but for those who like nature and hiking, the Sanhuangzhai Scenic Area, next to the temple, is also worth a visit. Songshan is a UNESCO Global Geopark and one of the five sacred mountains in China, and the Sanhuangzhai Scenic Area is probably its best highlight.

From the Shaolin Pagoda Forest onward there are two cable cars. The Songshan Shaolin Cable Car takes you to the top of the mountain. From there you must hike the rest of the way. The hike is essentially done on planks along the cliffside. Along the way, you can appreciate the beautiful scenery and some fascinating rock formations.

The catwalk is wide enough for two people to walk side by side and the guardrails are safe. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and expect climbing many steps. Depending on time and energy, visitors can stop anywhere, walk back and take the cable car down to the Shaolin Temple. Alternatively, they can hike down and leave the trail at the SanHuangZhai exit. Note that the entire trail takes about three hours to complete and there is no public transportation at the SanHuangZhai exit.

How to Get There

The Shaolin Temple is about a 1.5-hour drive from Luoyang or Zhengzhou. There are buses from Luoyang and Zhengzhou to the temple, but considering the distance, it's more convenient to book a tour.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

Opening hours: 7:00am-6:00pm (March to November) / 7:00am-5:30pm (December to February) Entrance fee: CNY 80/person Electric cart: CNY 25 (round trip) / CNY 15 (one way) Kungfu Show Times: 9:30am (summer), 10:30am, 11:30am, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm (summer) Cable Car to Sanhuangzhai: CNY 100 (round trip) / CNY 80 (one way) Average time for this activity: 1/2 to 1 day

Popular Tours

• North China Culture Adventure - 10-day Beijing, Pingyao, Xi'an, Luoyang tour
• Kung Fu Family Adventure - 9-day Beijing, Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu tour
• The China Highlights - 12-day Beijing, Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu, Suzhou, Shanghai tour
• More Luoyang tours...

Customize a tour that includes a visit to this attraction

Inquiry form.

How to visit Summer Palace (Tips, Photos & Map)

A comprehensive guide to visiting the temple of heaven.

• Plugs, Sockets, Adapters and Electricity in China
• 10 Fascinating Facts about China

China Travel Tips

Tour-Beijing.com – your one-stop place for planning your trip to Beijing China

Beijing Travel Tips

Visiting the Great Wall is a delightful must for the first-time visitors to Beijing China.

Beijing in March Travel Guide (Weather, Wear, Events & Tips)

How to Visit Mutianyu Great Wall （Tips,Photos & Map）

How to visit Jingshan Park

How to Visit Forbidden City (Tips, Photos & Map)

• Henan Travel
• Luoyang Travel
• Luoyang Travel Tips

How to Visit Shaolin Temple (Tips, Photos & Map)

• Dengfeng Travel

Dear Travelers,

We’d like to have the following quick guide to be always updated for the benefit of new visitors visiting Shaolin Temple by bus or using other tools of transportation.

If anybody having used the piece finds necessary updates, please leave a message or feedback. Thanks! ________

If you are planning a Luoyang Tour , or Zhengzhou tour ? it is highly recommended to include a side trip to Shaolin T emple  from Luoyang or Zhengzhou. Shaolin Temple is the cradle of the Chinese Zen Buddhism and the Shaolin Martial Arts.

Go to Shaolin Temple from Luoyang or Zhengzhou

After visiting the major attractions in Luoyang including Longmen Grottoes, it is advisable to spare a whole day starting in the early morning from Luoyang to  Shaolin Temple .   Shaolin Temple is located about 60-70 km southeast of Luoyang which is within the jurisdiction of Dengfeng City , 12km from Shaolin Temple.

Travel to Shaolin Temple overland is the only choice of transportation either from Luoyang or Zhengzhou. You may prebook a taxi or rent a private car from local travel agency in Luoyang ( or Zhengzhou) which costs you around RMB 600 for a round trip.

For money-saving and more interactive contact with the locals as well, you may go to Shaolin Temple by taking the long-distance bus from Luoyang Long-distance Station which is located across Luoyang Railway Station in the city center. Plentiful buses pass by Shaolin Temple . Just get up early and buy your bus ticket on the spot from Luoyang to Shaolin Temple .

Important Notice 1) You can easily take high speed trains from Beijing and Xian, or other cities to Luoyang, then continue your Shaolin trip; Shaolin Temple is located about 870km southwest of Beijing. 2) You can also visit Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou instead of Luoyang. There are high speed trains to Zhengzhou from Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities. Zhengzhou city is located about 700km southwest of Beijing. Then you either take taxi or buses to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou.

Bus Ride from Luoyang to Shaolin Temple

Most of the Shaolin Temple bound buses run on National Highway No.207 and Shaolin Temple is just located near the highway 60-70km from Luoyang. Actually many long-distance buses work as shuttle buses along the highway passing numerous villages. ( Note: you can also easily take buses from Zhengzhou to Shaolin Temple).

Don’t be surprised when your bus will stop when there are people waving hands by the roadside if your bus still have some vacancies which your bus driver definitely wants to fill in for maximizing the profit.

Chinese are “noisy” people. On your bus, the passengers around you will talk loudly, even shout and eat, making the bus like their homes, ignoring the existence of others on the bus. So just keep your patience, be tolerant and “enjoy” your travel experience on a long-distance bus in China!

Within 2 and half hours your ticket collector on the bus will remind you that you have arrived at the entrance to Shaolin Temple. Get off and you will see a huge statue of a Shaolin Temple Monk.  |

A huge statue of a Shaolin Temple Monk.

ABC of Shaolin Temple

Shaolin Temple was established in 495AD by Emperor Xiaowen in Beiwei Dynasty for the purpose of accommodating the famous Indian monk, Batuo, who came to Luoyang, the ancient capital for spreading Buddhism at that period.

Emperor Xiaowen was a dedicated believer of Buddhism so he decided to construct the temple at the foot of the Songshan Mountains to welcome Batuo, who translated many Buddhist documents and had several hundred followers there.

“Shao” refers to the Shaoshi Mountain, one of the two mountains in Songshan Mountain Range. “Lin” means “forest”. “Shaolin Temple” literally means a temple in the forest of Shaoshi Mountain in Songshan Mountain Range.

Now Shaolin Temple is reputed as the Number One Temple under Heaven which was listed as UNESCO’s World Cultural & Natural Heritage List in 2010 as part of the “ Historic Monuments of Dengfeng .” The temple is the cradle of the Chinese Zen Buddhism and the Shaolin Martial Arts.

Shaolin Temple is rated as a 5-star government appointed attraction which is well-organized in terms of its clear layout and signs, clean toilets and environment, and easy transportation. Basically your Shaolin Temple trip will take you around 3 hours covering three major sites including watching Shaolin Kung Fu Show for half an hour, one hour visit to Shaolin Temple itself and half hour visit to the Pagoda Forest .

Shaolin Temple Linear Travel Route

The linear travel route is about 2-3km which takes much walking. If you don’t have strong legs, you may use the shuttle bus Service at RMB 10 for one way trip within the compound.

The main gate to Shaolin Temple, the stone archway with a huge rock in its front carved with the words “Shaolin Culture, People’s Heritage” by former Chinese president Jiang Zeming.

The Entrance Gate and Entry Fees

The main gate to Shaolin Temple, the stone archway

Entry Fee and Opening Hours On your left side by the gate is the ticket office with an ancient style of structure. Admission Fee: RMB 80 Opening Hours: Peak season (March ~ November) : 07:30~18:00; Low season (December ~ February) : 08:00~17:30.

Once you enter the attraction compound, you will first walk by Shaolin Tagou Martial Arts School.  The Ta Gou Kung Fu School, one of the largest kung fu schools in China, is the only one kung fu school which owns and practices on land below the Shaolin Temple. It has over 400 classes and has trained over 50,000 kung fu students.

The Ta Gou Kung Fu School

The Shaolin Kung Fu Show

Students are training on one of the playgrounds nearby of The Ta Gou Kung Fu School . Soon you will walk past the Shaolin Kung Fu Show Theatre which is located not far from the main entrance. There are 5 fixed daily performances at the theatre. The kung fu show lasts half hour including a few minutes’interaction on the part of the visitors and the actors. 

Kung Fu Show Time Table Morning Kung Fu Show 9:30 – 10:00 11;30 – 12:00 Afternoon Kung Fu Show 14:00 – 14:30; 15:00 – 15:30; 16:00 – 17:30

So well schedule your visiting time in Shaolin Temple, avoiding losing the exciting kung fu show. The Kung Fu Show is performed by the professional performance team from Shaolin Tagou Kung Fu School . Shaolin Kung fu is the most influential martial arts schools in China. In the less than half performance, you will see “Shaolin Boxing” and “Shaolin Stick” typical of Shaolin Kungfu.

The Shaolin Kung Fu Show Theatre

The most impressing performance is Tongzigong. “Tongzigong” literally means “children’s kung fu”, a form of qigong exercise needing flexibility, part of Shaolin Kung Fu classes. It is learned at very early age and must be practiced before the body becomes matured and grown up.

You may watching the show before or after visiting other major sites like Shaolin Temple and Pagoda Forest . Then you continue to walk on the main road approaching Shaolin Temple .

The Shaolin Temple itself

Shanmen Hall is the first hall serving as an entrance to the temple. Hung on its top is a placard inscribed with “Shaolin Temple”. The hall enshrines the Maitreya Buddha with 18 Buddhist Arhats standing along the eastern and the southern walls of the hall.

Shanmen Hall

Next, walking along the axis, you will come across the Hall of Heavenly Kings with magnificent structure, enshrining the four heavenly kings.

Standing in Snow Pavilion, enshrining the second abbot of Shaolin Temple – Monk Huike who stood in the snow with his left arm cut in order to study the buddhism from Dharma.

Standing in Snow Pavilion

Shaolin Temple is full of prominent Chinese architectures, stela and tablets. If you are interested in Chinese traditional culture, you may find a lot to see and study inside Shaolin Temple.

Shaolin Pagoda Forest

Outside the temple and move on to the next big attraction – Pagoda Forest, a graveyard for the monks through the ages.

Actually there are more to see in Shaolin Temple beside the major attractions mentioned above, like the Dharma Cave and so on. At the end of your trip, you may walk back to the entrance or pay RMB 10 to take a shuttle bus from Pagoda Forest to the entrance.

Shuttle Bus inside Shaolin Temple compound

If you want to continue to visit Dengfeng where Zhongyue Tempple and Songyang Academ y are located, you may take the bus no.08 across the road by Shaolin Temple to Dengfeng City .

Where to Eat Vegetarian Food inside the temple?

Inside the gate and on the right, there is a vegetarian restaurant known as 少林欢喜地 （Shaolin Huanxidi), about 50 yuan per person.

By the way, as far as I know, beside the Shaolin Kungfu Theatre there is a hotel which also offer food that is more delicate than the restaurant known as 少林欢喜地.

Don’t miss the Kungfu Show included in your entry ticket ( see : . The Kung Fu Show )

Again more information on goting to Shaolin Temple

Starting from Zhengzhou: You can first take high-speed train to Zhengzhou , then take the shuttle bus by the train station to Dengfeng , and then take the minibus from Dengfeng to the main scenic spots such as Shaolin Temple , Songyang Academy , Zhongyue Temple . It only takes one hour to get to the Shaolin Temple via Zheng-Shao Expressway.

Startijng from Luoyang: Every morning at 6:00, 7:00 there are shuttle buses to the Shaolin Temple starting from Luoyang Bus Station, east of Luoyang Railway Station.

Tip:  Hassle-free Luoyang Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for Luoyang Guided Tours:

Luoyang Tour Luoyang Car Rental Luoyang One Day Private Tour Luoyang- Shaolin One Day Private Tour Beijing Luoyang 2 Day Round Trip Tour Xian Luoyang Day Tour by Bullet Train

Further Readings

Dengfeng City Zhongyue Temple Songyang Academy Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Show at Shaolin Temple

Top 10 Attractions in Luoyang How to Visit Shaolin Temple Where to Stay in Luoyang Luoyang Museum Guide Museum of Luoyang Eastern Zhou Royal Horse and Chariot Pits How to visit White Horse Temple Longmen Grottoes Travel Tips Kung Fu Show at Shaolin Temple Luoyang Taxi

  Any questions,  just drop a line.

57 thoughts on “ how to visit shaolin temple (tips, photos & map) ”.

Dear Sheetal Sharma,

Inside the gate and on the right, there is a vegetarian restaurant known as 少林欢喜地 （Shaolin Huanxidi), about 50 yuan per person. Please check out the pictures in the link ( in Chinese ): http://www.mafengwo.cn/poi/7688049.html

Don’t miss the Kungfu Show included in your entry ticket ( see : https://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/henan-travel/luoayng-travel/kung-fu-show-at-shaolin-temple )

Have a nice time!

How much does it cost to fight them?

Dear Brennen Fahy,

No direct flight to Shaolin Temple. You first fly for Luoyang or Zhengzhou, then connect the local bus for Shaolin Temple. Have a nice time!

LOL, Fahy was asking how much it cost to fight with them? And Daniel says no flight.. hahahahahahahahahahaha

Dear Anynomous,

Thanks for reminding me of my misunderstanding! Fight, not flight! Ha ha! The temple doesn’t offer tourists the service of fighting with kung fu fighters.

Cheers! Life is beautiful!

Hi there! Is it possible to go there and have a 1-day training or something like that? If so, any idea of the prices? Thanks a lot! Great information in this web! 👏🏻👏🏻

Dear Emilio,

Basically you need to stay one night in Luoyang. For more Shaolin Temple related tours, please check out the link below:

https://www.tour-beijing.com/luoyang_tour/

Any questions, just email us at [email protected]

Have a nice time in China!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Related News

Where to stay in luoyang (tips & map), luoyang taxi: luoyang taxi fares, tips and phone, kung fu show at shaolin temple (photos,tips & map), how to visit white horse temple (tips, photos & map).

Shaolin Temple

• Longmen Grottoes
• Cockscomb Cave
• Museum of Eastern Zhou Horse and Chariot Pits
• Flower & Fruit Mountain
• Guanlin Temple
• Longyuwan Forest Park
• Luoyang Ancient Art Museum
• Luoyang Museum
• National Flower Garden
• Wangcheng Park
• White Horse Temple
• White Cloud Mountain
• Yellow River Xiaolangdi Scenic Area

Shanmen Hall

First we see the Shanmen Hall. Hung on its top is a tablet reading 'Shaolin Temple'. The tablet was inscribed by the Emperor Kangxi (1622 - 1723) during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). Under the stairs of the hall crouches two stone lions made in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The hall enshrines the Maitreya Buddha. Two sides of the corridor behind the hall's gate are paved with inscriptions on stone steles made during several different dynasties.  

Hall of Heavenly Kings

Next we arrive at the Hall of Heavenly Kings. The gate of the hall is guarded by two figures depicting Vajra (Buddhist warrior attendants). Inside the hall are figures of the Four Heavenly Kings who are responsible for inspecting peoples' behavior, helping the troubled, and blessing the people.  

Mahavira Hall

Then we come to the Mahavira Hall. The complex center is right before your eyes. Both important celebrations and regular prayers are held here. 18 Buddhist Arhats stand along the eastern and the southern walls of the hall. Buddhas of the Middle, East and West are enshrined in this hall, respectively Sakyamuni Buddha, Pharmacist Buddha and Amitabha Buddha. Figures of Kingnaro (the founder of Shaolin Cudgel) and Dharma (the founder of Chinese Zen Buddhism) stand beside those three Buddhas, a placement which is very different from other Mahavira Halls. At the feet of the pillars in this Mahavira Hall are stone lions that are more than one meter (about 3.33 feet) high. On the ground there are about 50 small pits, 20 centimeters (about 7.87 inches) deep. It is said that they are the footprints left by monks when they practiced Shaolin Martial Arts.  

Pagoda Forest

Ancestor's monastery & the second ancestor's monastery, dharma cave, buddhist living quarters, wushu (martial arts) training center, ticket & opening hours, how to get to shaolin temple, from dengfeng city: 30min by taxi, from zhengzhou.

From Luoyang: Direct Bus

From xi'an: bullet train + bus, what to see nearby shaolin temple, you may like.

Trains | About Us | Contact Us

Top Travel Articles

• How to Choose Water Town
• Tongli Trip Plan
• Xitang Trip Plan
• Nanxun Trip Plan
• Zhouzhuang Trip Plan
• Wuzhen Trip Plan
• Water Town FAQs

How to Travel to the Shaolin Temple

Normally, tourists spend two days visiting Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng and the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang. The Longmen Grottoes is a world heritage site listed by the UNESCO, so it is worth a visit. There is no airport or railway station in Dengfeng, so we suggest you go to Luoyang first. Usually, you need two days for this trip

How to Get to Luoyang?

If you plan to start the trip from Beijing or Shanghai, we suggest you go to Luoyang by high-speed train. It takes 5.5 hours to take a high-speed train from Shanghai to Luoyang, and 4.5 hours from Beijing to Luoyang. You will arrive in Luoyang before around 13:00 and can visit the Longmen Grottoes in the afternoon.

If you depart from Guangzhou, or Shenzhen or other places in south China, we suggest you fly to Zhengzhou, where you can take a high-speed train to Luoyang (one hour). If you choose an early flight (departs for Zhengzhou around 9:00), you can still arrive in Luoyang and visit the Longmen Grottoes on the same day.

Tour Plan for the First Day

When you arrive in Luoyang at the Luoyanglongmen Railway Station, we suggest you take a taxi to the Longmen Grottoes. It takes around 15 minutes and costs no more than 20 RMB for this 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) taxi ride. It costs only 1 RMB if you choose to take a bus, but you have to walk nearly 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) to reach the bus stop.

Longmen Grottoes

Ticket Price: 100 RMB Open Hours: 8:00 - 18:00, February 1st to March 31st and October 1st to 8th; 8:00 – 18:30, April 1st to October 31st; 8:-17:00, November 1st to next January 31st.

With a history of over 1,500 years, the Longmen Grottoes are divided into the West and East Hills by the Yi River. Over 100,000 Buddha statues were carved on these two hills. Started in 493 AD and ended around 960 AD, it took over 500 years for the Longmen Grottoes to reach today’s scale. The statues on the West Hill were carved earlier and more exquisitely than the ones on the East Hill. There is Peony Flower Festival in Longmen Grottoes area between April 1st and May 10th of every year.

Luoyang Tips

Food – The noodles are Luoyang people’s daily food. It is a good option for lunch.

Historical Attractions – Luoyang is a historical city. The Old City of Luoyang, Baima Temple and Luoyang Museum are recommended attractions. However, you need to spend one more day in Luoyang if you want to visit these attractions.

Tour Plan for the Second Day

Let’s confirm transportation first.

For your trip to the Shaolin Temple, you need to take a bus from Luoyang to Shaolin Temple. Please check out the information about Luoyang Bus Station below. It takes around 2 hours to for this bus ride and costs 19 RMB.

Address: No.71, Daonan Road, Xigong District. Telephone Number: 0379-63239453 Departure Time: Normally, there are 14 buses from Luoyang to Shaolin Temple every day between 5:30-12:30. Please call the station to get the exact timetable.

For your back trip, if you want to go back to Luoyang, you can take a bus at the tourist center of Shaolin Temple. The last bus to Luoyang departs at 18:00 and the price is also 19 RMB. You can also take bus from Shaolin Temple to Zhengzhou. It takes 2 hours and costs 30 RMB. The last bus to Zhengzhou departs at 17:30.

Shaolin Temple

Ticket Price: 100 RMB Open Hours: 8:00 - 17:00

The Shaolin Temple is a Buddhist holy land where Chinese Kung Fu originated. So the Kung Fu and Buddhist culture are the reasons why thousands of tourists go to the Shaolin Temple. There are two Kung Fu shows included in the ticket price. One is outdoor and the other one is indoor. You will feel the power and spirit of Kung Fu from these two shows. The best way to learn about the Buddhist culture is reading Buddhist scriptures, but it is obviously difficult for anyone to understand these scriptures, so most tourists will visit the Pagoda Forests, the cemetery for 232 ancient eminent monks who practiced in the Shaolin Temple between Tang and Qing dynasties (618-1911 AD). Every pagoda is the outside part of the tomb of a monk. The higher the pagoda is, the more eminent the monk was. The shapes of these pagodas and the carvings on these pagodas are exquisite artworks.

Shaolin Kung Fu

Although most Buddhist monks are vegetarians, you can still order meat in the restaurants around the Shaolin Temple.

Learn about Kung Fu in the Shaolin Temple and Buddhism at the Longmen Grottoes by joining our 2-day Kung Fu Tour .

• China Tours
• Top 10 Tours
• Group Tours
• Tailor-made
• Destinations
• Classic China Tours
• Scenic China Tours
• China Cultural Tours
• Yangtze River Cruises
• Silk Road Adventure
• Tibet Tours
• Yunnan Tours
• Beijing Tours
• Shanghai Tours
• Guilin Tours
• Chengdu Tours
• Zhangjiajie Tours
• Multi-country Asia Tours
• Thailand Tours
• Vietnam Tours
• Cambodia Tours
• Myanmar Tours
• Indonesia Tours
• Singapore Tours
• Nepal Tours
• India Tours
• Japan Tours
• South Korea Tours
• Zhangjiajie
• Yangtze River
• China Travel Tips
• Best Places in China
• Chinese Culture
• China Attractions
• The Great Wall
• China Panda
• High-speed Train
• The Silk Road
• Feedbacks & Reviews

Travel in Luoyang

• Luoyang Travel Guide
• Luoyang Overview
• Luoyang Attractions
• Luoyang Activities
• Luoyang Restaurants
• Luoyang Shopping
• Luoyang Transportation
• Luoyang Travel Tips
• Luoyang Travel Blog
• Luoyang Maps

Attractions in China

• China Attractions List
• World Heritage Sites in China
• The Great Wall of China
• Attractions in Beijing
• Attractions in Xi'an
• Attractions in Shanghai
• Attractions in Guilin
• Attractions in Hong Kong
• Attractions in Chengdu
• Attractions in Lhasa
• Attractions in Hangzhou
• Attractions in Suzhou
• Attractions in Zhangjiajie

Ask a Question

I accept the Privacy Policy.

Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng

Mt. Songshan, Dengfeng City, Henan Province (66km from Zhengzhou City, 49km from Luoyang City, 13km from Dengfeng City)

Reasons to visit

The most famous temple in China.

Our Ratings

Opening hours.

• 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

Reasons to visit Shaolin Temple

• Birthland of Chinese Shaolin Wushu; • Chinese Han Zen Buddhism ancestral Chamber; • The first Temple in the world; • In 1983, it was selected as national key buddhist monasteries; • In 2007, it was listed as the first batch of national 5A tourist attractions; • In 2010, it was added into the world heritage list.

Interesting Things to Do in Shaolin Temple

Travel Guide

【Best time to visit】: From April to October 【How to get to Shaolin Temple】: You may take Bus Route 8 from Dengfeng West Bus Station (#129 Zhongyue Avenue, Dengfeng), which takes about 30 minutes to get to Shaolin Temple. If you travel from Zhengzhou, you may take buses from Zhengzhou Passenger Bus Center (near to Zhengzhou Railway Station). There are buses leave for Shaolin Temple every day every half hour. It takes about 2 hours for one-way journey. If you travel from Luoyang, you may take busese from Luoyang Long-distance Bus Station (near to Luoyang Railway Station) to get to the entrance of Shaolin Temple directly. It takes about 2 hours’ driving for Luoyang to Shaolin Temple.

Top Attractions in Luoyang

• Longmen Grottoes
• White Horse Temple
• Mt. Songshan
• Songyang Academy in Dengfeng
• Guanlin Temple
• Luoyang Museum of Ancient Tombs
• Xiaolangdi Scenic Zone
• Longtan Grand Canyon

Recommended Luoyang Tours

We are member of

Follow us on

About us Contact us How to Book How to Pay Terms & Conditions Loyalty & Referral Programs All China Tours All City Tours All One Day Tours All Asia Tours Privacy Statement

Our license Number: L-GX-CJ00001

Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved Top China Travel

Meeh/Shutterstock

Shaolin Scenic Area

Top choice in Henan

The largely rebuilt Shaolin Temple is a commercialised victim of its own incredible success. A frequent target of war, the ancestral home of wǔshù was last torched in 1928, and the surviving halls – many of recent construction – are today assailed by relentless waves of selfie-shooting tour groups. The temple’s claim to fame, its dazzling gōngfū (kung fu) based on the movements of animals, insects and sometimes mythological figures, guarantees that martial arts clubs around the world make incessant pilgrimages.

A satisfying visit to the Shaolin Temple requires, rather than bestows, a Zen mentality (to handle the visiting hordes and looped recordings broadcast from competing loudspeakers). But if you explore away from the main areas, you could spend an entire day or two visiting smaller temples, climbing the surrounding peaks and eking out crumbs of solitude.

Coming through the main entrance, you’ll pass several wǔshù schools; the students practising in the red uniforms belong to Shaolin Tagou – the world's biggest gōngfū school. On the right, about 500m in, is the Wushu Training Centre , with shows featuring novices tumbling around and breaking sticks and metal bars over their heads – an integral part of the Shaolin experience, though some may find parts of the performance uncomfortable to watch.

The main temple itself is another 600m along. Many buildings, such as the main Daxiong Hall (大雄宝殿, Dàxióng Bǎodiàn; reconstructed in 1985), burned to the ground in 1928. Although the temple seems to have been founded in approximately the year 500 (accounts vary), some halls only date back as far as 2004. Among the oldest structures at the temple are the decorative arches and stone lions, both outside the main gate.

At the very rear, the West Facing Hall (西方圣人殿, Xīfāng Shēngrén Diàn) has depressions in the floor, famously (and apocryphally) the result of generations of monks practising their stance work, and huge colour frescoes. Always be on the lookout for the ubiquitous Damo (Bodhidharma), whose bearded Indian visage gazes sagaciously from stelae or peeks out from temple halls.

Past the main temple on the right, the Pagoda Forest (少林塔林, Shàolín Tǎlín), a cemetery of 248 brick pagodas, which includes the ashes of eminent monks, is well worth visiting. Not all of the pagodas are ancient, see if you can spot the one with a car, camera and laptop computer on the frieze!

Between the main temple and the Pagoda Forest, paths lead up Wuru Peak (五乳峰, Wǔrǔ Fēng). Flee the tourist din by heading towards the peak to see the cave (达摩洞, Dámó Dòng) where Damo (Bodhidharma) meditated for nine years; it’s 4km uphill with lots of steps toward the end. From the base, you may spot the peak and the cave, marked by a large, white Bodhisattva figure. En route to the cave, detour to the Chuzu Temple (初祖庵, Chūzǔ Ān), a quiet and battered counterpoint to the other temple. Its main hall, with Northern Song frescoes, is the oldest timber structure in the province (c 1125).

At 1512m above sea level and reachable on the Songyang Cableway (嵩阳索道, Sōngyáng Suǒdào; return ticket ¥50), Shaoshi Shan (少室山, Shàoshì Shān) is the area’s tallest summit. The area beyond the cable car is home to the peak, and to Erzu Nunnery (二祖庵, Eŕzǔ Ān) with four wells where you can sample its various tasting waters (¥10): sour, sweet, peppery and bitter.

Perhaps the most famous hike, however, is to neighbouring Sanhuangzhai (三皇寨, Sānhuángzhài), which takes about six hours return and covers 9km one way (and 7398 steps!). The path goes past precipitous cliffs along a roller coaster of a route that often hugs the striated rock face to the 782-step Rope Bridge (连天吊桥, Lián Tiān Diào Qiáo). The scenery is superb.

Consider bypassing the initial 3km with the Shaolin Cableway (少林索道, Shàolín Suǒdào; one way/return ¥70/120), which conveys you effortlessly to the start of the most dramatic section. No matter how you do this hike, start early and be prepared for some noise – it's very popular and the echoes are a big draw. Once you get to the first suspension bridge (one hour), most people turn around and the crowds thin out considerably. If you go further, you'll reach Songshan Monastery, the majestic structure hugging the high-up cliffs. The grounds aren't open to the public, which means the monastery actually looks its best from a distance, where you can appreciate the tenacity of its location. (When the monastery was restored in 2005, all the cement and tiles were brought in on foot.)

To do this hike one way – probably the most satisfying option – you can start from the end (catch a cab to Sanhuangzhai from Dengfeng; aim for ¥50) and walk towards Shaolin. You can do it the other way too, but you're at the mercy of the drivers (assuming there are any) when you finish. Note that the bridge may be closed at times for repair or during inclement weather.

To reach the Shaolin Temple, take a bus (¥5, 15 minutes) from Dengfeng’s west bus station or main station (¥5). A taxi to the temple from Dengfeng will cost ¥30 to ¥40. Alternatively, take a minibus from either Luoyang (¥19, two hours) or Zhengzhou (¥29, two hours).

From the ticket office, it's then a 20-minute walk to the actual temple (passing the Wushu Training Centre on the way); electric carts (one way/return ¥15/25, 7.30am to 6pm) run from the ticket office to the main temple entrance and beyond.

Note that tickets to the scenic area (including all hikes) are valid for 10 days, except for the temple itself, which can only be visited once on the date of purchase. If you stay in the park overnight without a ticket, you'll need to purchase one at the temple (¥30) and negotiate for entry into the Wushu show (¥20).

Get In Touch

Lonely planet's must-see attractions.

Longmen Grottoes

26.62 MILES

The ravaged grottoes at Longmen constitute one of China’s handful of surviving masterpieces of Buddhist rock carving. A sutra in stone, the epic…

White Horse Temple

24.39 MILES

Although its original structures have all been replaced and older Buddhist shrines may have vanished, this vast, active monastery outside Luoyang is…

Taishi Shan

Arguably the best hike in the area, Taishi Shan serves as a much quieter counterpoint to Shaolin Temple. It's not for slackers, however; like all Chinese…

Shaolin Temple

The largely rebuilt Shaolin Temple is a commercialised victim of its own incredible success. A frequent target of war, the ancestral home of wǔshù was…

Zhongyue Temple

A few kilometres east of Dengfeng, the ancient and hoary Zhongyue Temple is a colossal active Taoist monastery complex that originally dates back to the…

Luoyang Museum

29.84 MILES

This huge museum, situated out of the action south of the river, has fascinating displays across two huge floors and is one of the few places where you…

Luoyang Old Town

28.92 MILES

Any Chinese city worth its rice has an Old Town. Within Luoyang’s is this scenic area comprising a plethora of water-banquet restaurants, costume shops…

Songyang Academy

At the foot of Mt Taishi sits one of China’s oldest academies, the lush and well-tended Songyang Academy, a building complex that dates from AD 484 and…

Nearby Henan attractions

1 . Shaolin Temple

2 . Taishi Shan

3 . Songyang Academy

4 . Zhongyue Temple

5 . White Horse Temple

6 . Longmen Grottoes

7 . Luoyang Old Town

8 . Drum Tower

29.13 MILES

This weathered old tower marks the more authentic (although still heavily touristed) Old Town area.

From Monks to Masters: A Journey Through the Shaolin Temple

• Jan 27, 2023
• China's Stories

List of Contents

The Shaolin Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the Song Mountains, Henan province of China. It’s famous for being the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu and for being the home of the Shaolin Monks. It’s a place where martial arts and Zen Buddhism are intertwined in a deadly dance of awesomeness. In 2010 it was recognized as such by UNESCO when it was inscribed on the World Heritage List.

The Shaolin Temple’s inscription on the World Heritage List is a testament to the rich history and culture that the temple represents. it’s also a place of great cultural and religious significance and a testament to the fusion of Chinese Buddhism and martial arts.

Overview of the temple’s history and significance

1. Founding of the Shaolin Temple

The Shaolin Temple was founded in the 5th century by an Indian monk named Bodhidharma. He arrived in China to spread Buddhism and found a group of followers at the temple. They were the first Shaolin Monks, and they began to develop a unique form of martial arts based on the movements of the animal kingdom. And let’s be honest, they probably saw a cute little monkey swinging from branch to branch and thought “Hey, I wanna do that too!”

2. Evolution of the Shaolin Temple

Over the centuries, the Shaolin Temple has undergone many changes. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, and the Shaolin Monks have adapted their martial arts to suit the needs of the times. Today, the temple is a modern complex that includes a temple, a pagoda, and a Kung Fu academy. But let’s not forget, it’s also the place where Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan probably got their start.

3. Importance of the Shaolin Temple

The Shaolin Temple is not just a place of worship, it’s also a symbol of Chinese culture and a source of inspiration for martial arts enthusiasts. It’s the home of the Shaolin Monks, who are known for their discipline, skill, and devotion to their craft.

Exploring the Shaolin Temple

1. The Temple Complex

The Shaolin Temple complex is a beautiful and peaceful place. It’s surrounded by lush green mountains and is home to many different buildings and structures. The main temple is a grand and imposing structure, while the pagoda is a seven-story tower that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

2. The Kung Fu Academy

The Kung Fu Academy is where the Shaolin Monks train. It’s a large and well-equipped facility that includes training halls, dormitories, and a library. Visitors can watch the Monks train, and even participate in training sessions themselves.

3. The Shaolin Monks

You might be wondering what Shaolin Monks do all day. Is it all training and meditation? Well, yes and no. Of course, they spend a lot of time honing their skills, perfecting their Kung Fu moves, and getting in touch with their inner chi. But they also have some downtime and let me tell you, these monks know how to have a good time. They have been known to have a bit of friendly competition, trying to outdo each other with their best one-liners and puns. Trust me, these monks have a sense of humor that would make even the grimmest of warriors chuckle.

Don’t believe us? Let us give you a sneak peek of what goes on behind the temple walls. Imagine a group of Shaolin Monks sitting in a circle, practicing their breathing exercises, when suddenly one of them says “Why did the Shaolin Monk cross the road? To kick the chicken on the other side!” The group erupts with laughter, and the monk who made the joke can’t help but crack a smile.

But it’s not all jokes and puns, these monks are also known for their impressive acrobatic skills. Have you ever seen a monk do a backflip while carrying a bowl of rice on his head? Well, now you can! Shaolin Monks are known to perform incredible feats of balance and agility, and some of them are even rumored to have supernatural powers. But let’s be real, it’s probably just years of training and discipline.

Shaolin Monks may be known for their martial arts skills and discipline, but they also have a sense of humor that will leave you in stitches. A visit to the Shaolin Temple will not only give you a chance to witness the impressive Kung Fu skills but also a chance to witness some of the funniest jokes, puns, and acrobatic skills of Shaolin Monks.

The Place Where Started It All

The Shaolin Temple is a place where history, culture, and martial arts come together in a beautiful and inspiring way. It’s a place of peace and tranquility, where the Shaolin Monks train, meditate, and maintain the temple. It’s the birthplace of Kung Fu and the home of the Shaolin Monks, who continue to inspire martial arts enthusiasts all over the world. It’s a must-see destination for any martial arts fan, and a great place to channel your inner Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan.

So if you’re ever in China, make sure to check it out and see for yourself why the Shaolin Temple is so much more than just a temple. And let’s not forget, it’s also the place where you can finally live out your dream of being a Kung Fu master!

You May Also Like...

Dim Sum Delights: A Bite-Sized Adventure

• Feb 4, 2023

Peking Duck: A Dish That Will Leave You Flapping Your Wings in Delight

• Jan 15, 2023

Mapo Tofu: The Dish That Will Leave Your Mouth Numb (In the Best Way Possible)

• Jan 20, 2023
• Singapore's Stories

The Forbidden City: Where the Emperor’s Party Never Stopped

• Jan 10, 2023
• China's Attraction

The Chinese Dragon: A Clawsome Guide to the Legendary Creature

Experience the Magic of Macau: A Perfect Blend of Tradition and Modernity

• Feb 9, 2023

A Brief History of Shaolin Temple

Christian Kober / Getty Images

It is said that a Buddhist monk from India named Buddhabhadra, or Ba Tuo in Chinese, came to China during Emperor Xiaowen's reign during the Northern Wei Dynasty period in 495AD. The emperor liked Buddhabhadra and offered to support him in teaching Buddhism at court. Buddhabhadra declined and was given land to build a temple on Mt. Song. There he built Shaolin, which translates into small forest.

Zen Buddhism Comes to Shaolin Temple

Thirty years after Shaolin was founded, another Buddhist monk called Bodhidharma from India came to China to teach Yogic concentration, known commonly today by the Japanese term "Zen" Buddhism. He traveled throughout China and finally came to Mt. Song where he found Shaolin Temple where he asked to be admitted.

A Monk Meditates for Nine Years

The abbot, Fang Chang, refused, and it is said Bodhidharma climbed high into the mountains to a cave where he meditated for nine years. It is believed that he sat, facing the cave wall for much of these nine years so that his shadow became permanently outlined on the cave wall. (Incidentally, the cave is now a sacred place and the shadow imprint has been removed from the cave and moved to the temple compound where you can view it during your visit. It is quite remarkable.)

After nine years, Fang Chang finally granted Bodhidharma entrance to Shaolin where he became the First Patriarch of Zen Buddhism.

The Origins of Shaolin Martial Arts or Kung Fu

Supposedly Bodhidharma exercised in the cave to keep fit, and when he entered Shaolin Temple found that the monks there were not very fit. He developed a set of exercises that later became the foundation for the specialized interpretation of martial arts at Shaolin. Martial arts were already widespread in China and many of the monks were retired soldiers. Thus existing martial arts exercises were combined with Bodhidharma's teachings to create the Shaolin version of Kung Fu.

Warrior Monks

Originally used as exercise, the Kung Fu eventually had to be used against attacking assailants after the monastery's assets. Shaolin eventually became famous for its warrior monks who were masterful in their practice of Kung Fu. Being Buddhist monks, however, they were bound by a set of principles called martial ethics, wude , that includes prohibitions such as "do not betray your teacher" and "do not fight for frivolous reasons" as well as eight "hit" and "do not hit" zones to ensure the opponent will not be too seriously injured.

Buddhism Banned

Not long after Boddhidharma entered Shaolin, Emperor Wudi banned Buddhism in 574AD and Shaolin was destroyed. Later, under Emperor Jingwen in the Northern Zhou Dynasty Buddhism was revived and Shaolin rebuilt and restored.

Shaolin's Golden Era: Warrior Monks Save Tang Dynasty Emperor

During turmoil early in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), thirteen warrior monks helped the Tang emperor rescue his son, Li Shimin, from an army aiming to overthrow the Tang. In recognition of their help, Li Shimin, once emperor, named Shaolin the "Supreme Temple" in all of China and fostered learning, teaching and exchange between the imperial court and armies and the Shaolin monks. Over the next few centuries until Ming loyalists used Shaolin as a refuge, Shaolin Temple and its style of martial arts enjoyed a flourishing of development and advancement.

The Decline of Shaolin

As a haven for Ming loyalists, Qing rulers finally destroyed Shaolin Temple, burning it to the ground and destroying many of its treasures and sacred texts in the process. Shaolin Kung Fu was outlawed and the monks and followers, those who lived, were dispersed through China and to other, lesser, temples following Shaolin teachings. Shaolin was allowed to reopen again about one hundred years later but rulers were still distrustful of Shaolin Kung Fu and the power it gave its followers. It was burned and rebuilt several times over the following centuries.

Present-day Shaolin Temple

Today, Shaolin Temple is a practicing Buddhist temple where adaptations on the original Shaolin Kung Fu are taught. According to some sources, the original Shaolin Kung Fu was too powerful so was replaced by Wu Shu, a less aggressive form of martial arts. Whatever is practiced today, it is still a place of dedication and learning, as can be seen by the hundreds of youngsters practicing outside on a given morning. There are now over eighty Kung Fu schools around Mt. Song in Dengfeng where thousands of Chinese children are sent to study as young as age five. Shaolin Temple and its teachings remain impressive.

Asia's 12 Most Amazing Holy Temples and Sacred Pilgrimage Sites

20 Best Things to Do in Shanghai

Great Activities for Kids Visiting China

A Short History of Hangzhou

14 Famous Forts and Palaces in India that You Must See

Delhi's Lotus Temple: The Complete Guide

Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia

The 18 Best Things to Do in Guangzhou, China

The Top 19 Things to Do in Beijing

6 Amazing Temples to See in Seoul

Sanchi Stupa: The Complete Guide

Sarnath: The Complete Guide

A Visitor's Guide to the City of Zhengzhou

Thailand Temple Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts

A Walk Down Hong Kong's Hollywood Road

18 Top Things to Do in Bihar, India

Kung Fu Tour: Visit The Shaolin Temple With a Travel Agency

Kung Fu Tour – Index

Why it’s difficult to travel to the shaolin temple, why visit shaolin temple, most popular tours, other tours, where can i hire these types of tours, frequently asked questions, are you looking for a travel agency.

For anyone interested in Chinese martial arts, I’m sure that one of your dreams is to be able to visit a place as emblematic as the Shaolin Temple, and that it would be even better if you could interact with some of its masters.

However, organizing a trip to the Shaolin Temple is not an easy task. In this article, I want to discuss why it isn’t easy to get to the Shaolin Temple and explain what the most popular tours which include a visit to the temple offer.

If you have already decided that you want to hire a tour but you don’t know which agency to choose, we can recommend a trustworthy agency to you, just contact us through this form .

As I explain in my article published a while ago on this site , the Shaolin Temple is located in the Henan province. This province is considered the origin of Chinese culture and of many styles of martial arts. Despite this, it is almost unknown to international tourists. If you add to that the fact that it is a relatively poor province with a lack of proper infrastructure, it’s not hard to imagine how complicated it is to get around, especially if you don’t speak Chinese.

In concrete terms, traveling to Henan and the Shaolin Temple is difficult mainly for three reasons:

• Language : As I have mentioned, Henan isn’t very well-known to foreign tourists, which makes it almost impossible to find someone who speaks English, and not to mention other languages.
• Lodging : In Henan, the majority of hotels don’t have a license to host foreigners and even though a few years ago this wasn’t a problem as long as you paid, lately the controls have gotten much more strict, which makes it hard to find lodging.
• Communications : In many parts of Henan (including the Shaolin Temple), the only way to get there is by bus, but if that’s not enough, the regular bus lines don’t have very well-defined schedules or even routes. From personal experience, if you look online or in some guide to find out how to get there, in many cases the information isn’t very exact and can even be wrong. To give you an idea, even on official websites in Chinese, the information is quite vague.

After talking about all of the problems that traveling there implies, maybe you no longer feel the urge to visit it, but I believe that visiting this part of China is without a doubt a unique experience and is easy to include in your trip to China. In my opinion, there are three main reasons for visiting Henan and in particular, the Shaolin Temple.

• The Shaolin Temple is located at a relatively small distance from Luoyang, a former Chinese capital filled with history and which is also home to the Longmen caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Luoyang, in addition to being an almost obligatory stop if you want to visit the Shaolin Temple, is conveniently located between Beijing and Xi’an, which makes it easy to include in any classic tourist route.
• Visiting Henan will give you the opportunity to see another side of China, a rural China where foreigners are rare.

In my opinion, the most popular thematic tours which include the Shaolin Temple are the following:

One-day tour: Shaolin Temple

This is the most basic tour and is ideal for people on a tight budget. Normally, this tour starts in Luoyang where you are picked up to go to the Shaolin Temple. During the day, the majority of tours include a Kung Fu class with a Shaolin Master, the visit to the temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and finally a Kung Fu spectacle.

Two-day tour: Luoyang-Shaolin Temple

Personally, I really like this tour, as in addition to the already mentioned visit, it also includes a one-day visit to the spectacular city of Luoyang. Normally, this visit includes two places which are hard to access: the Baima Temple (or white horse), the first Buddhist temple in China, and the Longmen Caves.

Six-day tour: Luoyang, Shaolin Temple and Xi’an

This is the most complete tour and in my opinion, is a good idea for people who want a special experience without complications. Normally, the tour starts in Beijing, where you take the bullet train to Luoyang. In Luoyang, you visit the city and the Shaolin temple, as already mentioned. Finally, from Luoyang, you take the bullet train once again and arrive in Xi’an. In Xi’an, you spend three days visiting the terracotta warriors, the Muslim neighborhood and other points of interest in the city. Many of these tours are oriented towards Chinese martial arts and also include Tai Chi classes on top of the wall which surrounds the old town.

If you want general advice on how to choose a good tour agency for your tour in China, I recommend that you read this article .

In particular, to visit the Shaolin Temple, as it is not a typical destination, it is not included in the classic tours offered by large operators. Because of this, if you want to hire a tour which includes this visit, you will have no other choice than finding a local tour operator.

It will take you around 2 hours to reach Dengfeng City. When arrived, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the Shaolin Temple.

There many buses leaving from there and going to Dengfeng, Xuchang, and Xinmi. The bus ticket will cost you around 20 RMB and it will take you 2-3 hours to reach the station.

If you’ve already decided to book a China tour but you aren’t sure what travel agency to choose, we can suggest a reliable agency to you. Just contact us using the form below:

Your Email Please leave this field empty.

Where do you want to go? —Please choose an option— Beijing Beijing-Xian-Shanghai Tibet Sichuan Yunnan Shaolin Temple Luoyang-Shaolin Temple Luoyang-Shaolin Temple-Xi'an Zhangjiajie Guangzhou Other

How many people are you?

When do you want to start your tour?

How long would you like to travel?

What is your budget? (per person, excluding international airfare) —Please choose an option— 100-500 USD 500-1,000 USD 1,000-2,000 USD 2,000-3,000 USD More than 3,000 USD

This form collects your name, email and other information, so that we can reply to your inquiry. For more information on where, how and why we store your data (and how you can access them), you can read our Privacy Policy

I accept that this form collects my name, email and other information.

I accept the Terms & Conditions of this website.

p.s. Notice that we receive hundreds of emails every day and, sometimes, we can’t reply fast. At the same time, we assume that you want to get this info ASAP, so we’ll also forward your message to the agency we recommend. In this way they can get in touch with you much faster!

About The Author

Sergi Portolés

Related posts.

The Stone Forest and the legend of Ashima

From Lijiang to Lugu Lake: Chronicle of a Hectic Trip

Gubeikou: Hiking on the Wild Great Wall

Privacy overview.

Get 3 Months FREE with EXPRESS VPN

+ Best VPN For China + 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee + 24/7 Live China Customer Support + 3 Months Free on 12 Months Package

• 86-19138970032 (GMT+8 18:00~09:00)

• Beijing Xian Tours
• Shanghai Beijing Tours
• Hong Kong Guilin Tours
• Hangzhou Suzhou Tours
• Kunming Lijiang Tours
• Shanghai Yangtze Cruise Tours
• Chengdu Tibet Tours
• More Short Stay Tours
• China Tours in January
• China Tours in February
• China Tours in March
• China Tours in April
• China Tours in May
• China Tours in June
• China Tours in July
• China Tours in August
• China Tours in September
• China Tours in October
• China Tours in November
• China Tours in December

• High Speed Trains
• China Yangtze Cruise Tour
• Photography
• Desert Adventure
• Ethnic Villages
• Biking Tours
• Kung Fu Tours
• Heritage Sites Exploration
• China Spring Tours
• China Summer Tours
• China Autumn Tours
• China Winter Tours

Notice! 2024 available cruise routes include 4~5 days Chongqing-Yichang(most classic) and 11~12 days Chongqing-Yichang-Shanghai(limited).

• Best-value Yangtze Cruises
• Top Family-friendly Cruise Ships
• Top 3 Luxury Yangtze River Cruises
• Yangtze River Highlights
• Yangtze River Cruise Routes
• Upstream or Downstream?
• Dining & Drinking
• Accommodations
• On-board Activities
• Yangtze Cruise Booking Steps

• Inner Mongolia

• Fanjingshan
• How to Plan Your First China Tour
• How to Plan Beijing Tour
• How to Plan Xian Tour
• How to Plan Shanghai Tour
• How to Plan Guilin Tour
• How to Plan Sichuan Tour
• How to Plan Family Tour
• 2024 China Travel Ideas
• Best Time to Visit China
• What to Pack for Your China Journey
• Make Payment in China
• Updated China Travel News
• Ultimate Chinese Visa Guide
• Chinese Visa Types
• Chinese Visa Requirements
• Do I Need a Visa for China
• Chinese Visa Application
• Chinese Visa Exemptions
• 144-hour Visa Free
• Shenzhen Visa on Arrival
• Hainan 30-day Visa Free
• Embassies & Consulates
• Invitation Letter
• Useful Visa FAQs & Tips
• Entry Regulations
• Baggage Allowance
• Customs Declaration
• Exit Regulation
• How to Book Train Tickets
• How to Collect Train Tickets
• How to Cancel & Alter Train Tickets
• How to Read Train Tickets
• China High Speed Train Types
• Seats Class & How to Choose
• Friendly Facilities on the Train
• The Train Station Departure Process
• Available Food and Drinks on the Train
• Western Toilets on the Train
• Luggage Racks & Baggage Allowance
• Beijing Train Stations
• Shanghai Train Stations
• Guilin Train Stations
• Xian Train Stations
• Chengdu Train Stations
• Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station
• Beijing - Xian
• Beijing - Shanghai
• Guangzhou - Shanghai
• Shenzhen - Shanghai
• Chengdu - Xian
• Shanghai - Hangzhou
• Shanghai - Xian
• Chengdu - Chongqing
• Kunming - Lijiang
• Beijing Capital International
• Beijing Daxing International
• Shanghai Pudong International
• Shanghai Hongqiao International
• Guangzhou Baiyun International
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International
• Chengdu Tianfu International
• Chengdu Shuangliu International
• Xian Xianyang International
• Shanghai - Beijing
• Hong Kong - Shanghai
• Guangzhou - Beijing
• Chengdu - Lhasa
• Shanghai - Guilin
• Shanghai - Sanya
• Travel in Spring Season
• Travel in Summer Season
• Travel in Autumn Season
• Travel in Winter Season
• Weather in January
• Weather in February
• Weather in March
• Weather in April
• Weather in May
• Weather in June
• Weather in July
• Weather in August
• Weather in September
• Weather in October
• Weather in November
• Weather in December
• Top 10 China Destinations
• Top 15 Things to Do
• China World Heritage Sites
• Top 10 Best Natural Beauties
• Top 10 Museums in China
• Top 10 Old Towns & Villages
• Five Great Mountains in China
• Top 10 Monasteries & Temples
• Top 10 Ski Resorts
• Top 10 Beautiful Lakes in China
• 7 Best Beaches in Sanya
• Top 6 Beautiful Waterfalls
• Panda Volunteering
• Having fun on Ice and Snow Festival
• About Us Who We Are Our Team Why Travel with Us Feedback & Reviews Travel Stories Travelers' Gallery Payment Guide Customer Support Contact Us
• Tour Experiences

Destinations

• Travel Guide

Dengfeng Weather & Seasons - Best Time to Visit Shaolin Temple

With a temperate continental climate, Dengfeng, where the Shaolin Temple situated, has the annual average temperature reaching 14.3 °C . Featuring four distinct seasons, it has the coldest month of January with the average monthly temperature of about 3 °C, and the hottest July with an average temperature of 27.3 °C. The average annual precipitation is 614 mm. The precipitation is mainly concentrated in June to August, accounting for 33.8% of the total annual precipitation.

Generally, the temperature of Shaolin Temple and Mount Song is 4 to 5°C lower than Dengfeng city's. Before you go, please bring an extra layer and check the detailed monthly weather conditions for a better preparation.

Best Time to Visit Shaolin Temple, Dengfeng

You can visit Shaolin Temple in any season, and the best time to visit Shaolin Temple is from March to October . Summer has the most comfortable temperature there. However, it is the peak season with lots of tourists at that time, and it is not recommendable to visit Shaolin Temple during the Spring Festival and Chinese National holiday in early October.

Average Dengfeng Temperature by Month

Dengfeng seasons to go, dengfeng weather in march.

• Max Temperature: 17°C / 63°F
• Avg Temperature: 14°C / 57°F
• Min Temperature: 8°C / 46.4°F
• Sun Days: 22 days
• Rainfall: 13.9 mm
• Rainy Days: 9 days
• Sunrise: 6:17am-6:57am
• Sunset: 6:23pm-6:47pm

Dengfeng Weather in April

• Max Temperature: 21°C / 70°F
• Avg Temperature: 18°C / 64°F
• Min Temperature: 11°C / 52°F
• Sun Days: 13 days
• Rainfall: 80.6 mm
• Rainy Days: 17 days
• Sunrise: 5:39am-6:16am
• Sunset: 6:48pm-7:10pm

Dengfeng Weather in May

• Max Temperature: 28°C / 82°F
• Avg Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
• Min Temperature: 17°C / 63°F
• Sun Days: 25 days
• Rainfall: 5.7 mm
• Rainy Days: 6 days
• Sunrise: 5:17am-5:38am
• Sunset: 7:11pm-7:33pm

Dengfeng Weather in June

• Max Temperature: 31°C / 88°F
• Avg Temperature: 29°C / 84°F
• Min Temperature: 23°C / 73°F
• Sun Days: 19 days
• Rainfall: 100.8 mm
• Rainy Days: 11 days
• Sunrise: 5:16am-5:18am
• Sunset: 7:34pm-7:44pm

Dengfeng Weather in July

• Max Temperature: 33°C / 91°F
• Avg Temperature: 30°C / 86°F
• Min Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
• Sun Days: 15 days
• Rainfall: 124.9 mm
• Rainy Days: 16 days
• Sunrise: 5:18am-5:37am
• Sunset: 7:30pm-7:44pm

Dengfeng Weather in August

• Max Temperature: 29°C / 84°F
• Avg Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
• Min Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
• Sun Days: 9 days
• Rainfall: 239.7 mm
• Rainy Days: 22 days
• Sunrise: 5:37am-5:59am
• Sunset: 6:56pm-7:30pm

Dengfeng Weather in September

• Max Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
• Avg Temperature: 23°C / 73°F
• Sun Days: 20 days
• Rainfall: 81 mm
• Rainy Days: 10 days
• Sunrise: 6:00am-6:21am
• Sunset: 6:14pm-6:54pm

Dengfeng Weather in October

• Max Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
• Min Temperature: 12°C / 54°F
• Rainfall: 86.2 mm
• Rainy Days: 13 days
• Sunrise: 6:21am-6:46am
• Sunset: 5:36pm-6:12pm

Dengfeng Weather in November

• Max Temperature: 15°C / 59°F
• Avg Temperature: 13°C / 55°F
• Min Temperature: 8°C / 46°F
• Sun Days: 23 days
• Rainfall: 4.6 mm
• Rainy Days: 5 days
• Sunrise: 6:47am-7:14am
• Sunset: 5:17pm-5:32pm

Dengfeng Weather in December

• Max Temperature: 9°C / 48°F
• Avg Temperature: 7°C / 45°F
• Min Temperature: 2°C / 36°F
• Sun Days: 27 days
• Rainfall: 11.7 mm
• Rainy Days: 4 days
• Sunrise: 7:15am-7:33am
• Sunset: 5:17pm-5:27pm

Dengfeng Weather in January

• Max Temperature: 5°C / 41°F
• Avg Temperature: 3°C / 37°F
• Min Temperature: 0°C / 32°F
• Sun Days: 18 days
• Rainfall: 53.3 mm
• Sunrise: 7:26am-7:34am
• Sunset: 5:27pm-5:52pm

Dengfeng Weather in February

• Max Temperature: 11°C / 52°F
• Avg Temperature: 8°C / 46°F
• Min Temperature: 3°C / 37°F
• Rainfall: 3 mm
• Rainy Days: 3 days
• Sunrise: 6:58am-7:26am
• Sunset: 5:56pm-6:23pm

How to Plan Your Dengfeng Shaolin Temple Tour

How to Get to Dengfeng Shaolin Temple: Usually take private car from Luoyang (about 1.5 hours) or Zhengzhou (about 2 hours); or take direct bus from Luoyang (about 2 hours) and Zhengzhou (around 1.5 hours)

Top Things to Do in Shaolin Temple: See ancient Buddhist architectures; watch Shaolin Kung Fu Show; join Shaolin Kung Fu Training Program

Where to Stay During Shaolin Temple Tour: Most tourists accommodate in hotels in Dengfeng City while Shaolin Kung Fu learners can stay in Kung Fu school with basic facilities.

After arrival from Luoyang or Zhengzhou, ordinary tourists usually spend one day visiting Shaolin Temple - a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage and the birthplace of Chinese Buddhist Zen and Chinese Kung Fu (Martial Arts). One-day Shaolin Temple tour is a classic itinerary covering the best essence, which takes you to admire the sacred shrine with 7 courtyards, the Pagoda Forest and lots of ancient architectures. Besides the sightseeing, you can also watch a wonderful Shaolin Kung Fu show and even join in a short-period Kung Fu training class to learn some basic styles. Love nature and physical condition allows? Take half a day more to do an excursion on Sanhuang Village of Mount Song , walk on the amazing roads cliffside and witness unique mountain landform. (If you or your kids plan to take a longer Kung Fu learning near Shaolin Temple, you can also contact us to get more recommendations.)

☛ 2 Days Shaolin Temple Tour from Zhengzhou ☛ 3 Days In-depth Shaolin Kung Fu Class Tour

If you have one more day and are quite interested in ancient Chinese culture, Luoyang is another must-visit destination in Henan (if you haven’t visited). The awesome Longmen Grottoes stretching by the riverside and China’s first Buddhist temple - White Horse Temple are iconic sites for your Luoyang tour. Still, there are many remarkable cultural and natural sights in Henan worthy your exploration, including the spectacular Yuntai Mountain , mysterious Guoliang Village , interesting Yin Ruins of Anyang, ancient capital Kaifeng, etc. Finishing your Henan tour, you may extend your journey to Beijing, Xian and other major destinations in China as you want. You can choose from our most popular China Shaolin Temple tour packages or contact us to customize a trip based on your requirements.

☛ 3 Days Shaolin Kung Fu Tour including Luoyang Highlights ☛ 8 Days China Ancient Capitals Tour (Beijing/Luoyang/Xian) ☛ 11 Days Essence of China Culture Tour by High Speed Trains ☛ 15 Days China Kungfu Panda Family Tour

Get Inspired by Real Travel Stories of Our Customers

Shaolin Temple and nearby Luoyang are very popular with our customers. Since 2012, we have helped thousands of customers visited the region successfully. With our fully-inclusive tour packages, all of our customers enjoyed their trips to magnificent Longmen Grottoes, legendary Shaolin Temple, educational Luoyang Museum, beautiful Yuntain Mountain, etc. Some of them even had the rare opportunities to take part in the grand International Peony Festival in Luoyang. Many customers suggest visit Luoyang with Beijing, Xian, Pingyao and Shandong in northern China to explore authentic Chinese culture. Below are some inspiring travel stories:

★ Cultural Immersion Trip in Ancient Capitals of China （Beijing - Taiyuan - Pingyao - Xian - Luoyang - Dengfeng - Zhengzhou - Kaifeng - Qufu - Mount Tai - Beijing） ★ Sweet Couple's 21-Day Northern China Exploration （Beijing - Datong - Mount Wutai - Pingyao - Xian - Luoyang - Jinan - Taian - Qufu - Beijing - Chengde - Beijing） ★ 19 China Trips of Vijay’s People - Spreading around Family & Friends of Wonder’s Good Service (Beijing / Luoyang / Xian / Chengdu/ Guangzhou / Guilin) ★ Sucking Cultural Fragrance from Time-honored Architectures (Kathmandu - Kunming - Lhasa - Shigatse - Xian - Luoyang - Pingyao - Datong)

Read more China travel stories > or find recommended similar tours> .

Top Dengfeng Shaolin Temple Tours

• Shaolin Temple Tour Packages
• 2 Days Shaolin Temple Tour from Zhengzhou
• 3 Days Shaolin Temple Longmen Grottoes Tour
• 3 Days Shaolin Kung Fu Tour including Luoyang Highlights

3 Days Luoyang Shaolin Temple Mount Song Hiking Tour

• 6 Days Henan Highlights Tour

Helpful Dengfeng Shaolin Temple Travel Guide

• How to Plan Shaolin Temple Trip
• Shaolin Kung Fu Training
• Top Attractions in Dengfeng
• Shaolin Temple
• Shaolin Kung Fu Shows
• Get to & around Shaolin Temple
• Luoyang to Shaolin Temple
• Zhengzhou to Shaolin Temple
• Beijing to Shaolin Temple
• Xian to Shaolin Temple
• Where to Stay around Shaolin Temple
• Shaolin Temple Travel Maps
• More Travel Guide

Recommended Dengfeng Tours

Top 3 Dengfeng tours chosen by most customers to explore Dengfeng in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary,or tailor your own trip now with us.

3 Days Shaolin Temple Longmen Grottoes Tour from Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou / Shaolin Temple / Luoyang

8 Days China Ancient Capitals Tour

Beijing / Luoyang / Xian

Luoyang / Dengfeng / Luoyang

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

• Affordable and valuable price
• 100% tailor-made packages
• Highly rated customers reviews
• Efficient customer support

China Tours

• Top 10 China Tours
• Classic China Tours
• China Tours from Beijing
• China Tours from Shanghai
• China Tours from Hong Kong
• China Tours from Chengdu
• Short China Trips
• Customize China Tour
• China Panda Tours
• Family Tour with Kids
• High-Speed Train Tour
• Silk Road Travel
• Yangtze River Cruise
• Hiking & Trekking Tours
• Photography Tours
• China Minority Travel
• Beijing Shanghai Tours
• Shanghai Yangtze Tours
• Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tours
• Chengdu Lhasa Tours
• Suzhou Hangzhou Tours
• Guilin & Yangshuo
• Zhangjiajie

“Very good experience”

“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”

“Awesome China tour from northeast to southwest”

Any questions, please email us at: [email protected] or call us at: 86-19138970032 (Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. GMT+8)

• Terms & Condition
• Privacy Policy
• Customer Support

Copyright © 2011-2024. All rights reserved.

Cookie policy

We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue using our website means you agree with our cookie policy. For more info, please read here .

• Post author: Maxime
• Post comments: 6 Comments
• Post last modified: February 17, 2022
• Reading time: 10 mins read

The Shaolin temple, or also known as the Shaolin Monastery , was one of the highlights of our trip in China. I’ve been hearing the almost mystical word “shaolin” since I’m a kid, and I was ecstatic to have the chance to visit one of the birthplaces of Kung Fu ! We decided to stop by the Shaolin monastery during our overland journey from Hong Kong to France .

This UNESCO World Heritage site is located 60 kilometers away from Luoyang and 90 kilometers away from Zhengzhou. The nearest city is Dengfeng, only 13 kilometers away. Dengfeng doesn’t have a railway station yet though (it’s under construction).

In the same scenic area is included the Songshan mountain , one of the five most sacred mountains of China. You have the possibility to hike this mountain during your trip.

The Shaolin temple was built in the 5th century AD, it has been reconstructed many times. It is now a very popular place among local tourists, and that might hamper your experience a little bit. However if you’re a fan of martial arts and Kung Fu, or if you just want to hike the nearby sacred Songshan mountain, don’t miss the opportunity to make a day trip to visit the scenic area !

If you’re looking for other cool things to do while in China, check our Camping on the Great Wall of China article !

Table of Contents

• How to get to the Shaolin Temple?
• Where to sleep ?
• Where to eat ?
• What to do ?
• The Songshan mountain

Note: If you make purchases through one of the links in this post, we get a small commission at no extra costs for you. This will help us to keep the website running and carry on our journey around the world so we can write more useful articles like this one.

Transportation to the Shaolin Temple

How to get to the shaolin temple .

You can get to the Shaolin temple either from Luoyang or Zhengzhou. Luoyang has a lot of sights to see and is a more interesting base than Zhengzhou. However Zhengzhou is a bigger city with more options to get to from other parts of China. Both cities are served by the high-speed train.

Unfortunately there’s no train going near the temple, therefore the most common option is to take a bus. You could also take a taxi.

The Shaolin Temple is written 少林寺 in Chinese, ask for Shaolinsi (pronounced Shaolinseu).

Taking a bus from Zhengzhou – 28RMB – ~2 hours

Frequent buses are leaving from Zhengzhou bus station (市长途客运站) located near the Zhengzhou train station (郑州火车站). You can take a bus to Dengfeng (登封) then switch to another bus, or take a direct bus to the temple depending on the time of the day.

Taking a bus from Luoyang – 19RMB – ~ 2 hours

We took a bus from the Luoyang central bus station (洛阳汽车站) located on the East side of the Luoyang train station. Most tourists are headed towards the Shaolin temple so getting a ticket is straightforward. Buses leaving every 30 minutes for Dengfeng. The trip took us around 2 hours, and they dropped us in front of the entrance. We paid 19RMB each.

You can also take a bus from the Luoyang Jinyuan Coach Station (洛阳锦远汽车站) located on the West side of the Luoyang train station. The fare is 19RMB as well.

Taking a taxi from Luoyang/Zhengzhou – 150/200RMB – 1.5 hours

If you have a higher budget than ours, you could find a taxi ready to drive you to the Shaolin temple. A taxi should be around 150 to 200RMB. A good deal for an hour and half ride.

How to leave the Shaolin temple ?

By bus to zhengzhou.

You can take a shuttle bus to Dengfeng, then you’ll find plenty of buses going to Zhengzhou. Otherwise, there’s direct bus from the Shaolin Temple to Zhengzhou but it is less frequent.

By bus to Luoyang – Careful !

In order to leave the monastery and go back to Luoyang, we headed back towards the main road. Several people tried to tell us to get a bus to Dengfeng, the nearest town. Many small buses are waiting nearby, doing the shuttle between the temple and Dengfeng. It wasn’t an interesting option for us because we were headed the other way.

Be carefull ! These people told us it was impossible to get a bus going the other way. They almost convinced us, but we walked to the other side of the road, and a bus going to Luoyang arrived just a few minutes later. We flagged him down, but the bus was almost empty and waited for about 30 minutes in order to let more passengers board. We paid 20RMB.

Just wait on the side of the road for a bus with the sign Luoyang (洛阳), and ignore the touts.

While we were waiting for the bus, a taxi came to us and offered us a ride all the way back to Luoyang for only 130RMB.

Where to sleep near the Shaolin Temple?

This can be done as a day-trip from Luoyang or Zhengzhou. You will have enough time to tour around the temple, but you might not be able to hike the nearby Songshan Mountain. One of the nicest sights is to see young students training early in the morning, make sure you don’t miss it!

An interesting possibility is to sleep inside the Shaolin temple compound, there’s one hostel named Kung Fu Hostel accepting foreigners.

The best option if you don’t want to rush is to sleep in the nearby city, Dengfeng. The city is located just 15 kilometers from the temple and a frequent bus is connecting these places.

Sleeping in Dengfeng

Lanyue Hostel Dengfeng is definitely the best option in Dengfeng with 9.0 ratings on Booking.com and an affordable price.

Kung Fu Hostel

The Kung Fu hostel is located inside the Shaolin park. A double room is worth $24. Don’t expect something luxurious. You need to pay for a ticket for the Shaolin temple to access the hostel. The staff is very friendly though.

Sleeping in Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou has many options to sleep, and world-class hotels such as the Hilton , the JW Marriott or the Sheraton . If you’re looking for cheaper options, we couldn’t find any hostel accepting foreigners, but we’d recommend the Holiday Inn Express or the Ibis hotel .

Sleeping in Luoyang

Luoyang should be on your list, at least to visit the 2,500 year-old UNESCO Longmen Grottoes .

The best cheapest option is definitely the Once Artistic Inn or you could stay at the Ibis hotel if you prefer a familiar name.

If want something more comfortable, check the New Friendship Hotel or the Holiday Inn Express .

Where to eat near the Shaolin Temple ?

Better pack your own food before getting to the complex. If you haven’t you can find a small indoor restaurant near where the Kung Fu performance is located. It’s a bit overpriced and not really tasty. 20RMB for a bowl of noodle with some meat. They also serve rice for a few more RMB.

Inside the complex you can find a few stalls selling food and drinks. Always outdoor except the one we mentioned before. Near the Pagoda Forest we found a stall selling cheap noodles. Food options are scarce.

You can fill your bottle for free at the water dispenser located inside the tourist center right next to the ticket office.

Planning on going to Hong Kong? My wife grew up there and share with you the best tips to travel Hong Kong on a budget !

What to do in the Shaolin temple ?

Entrance fee :.

We paid 80RMB to enter. It seems like the price decreased, as it used to be 100RMB. Half price for students, seniors citizens above 59 y/o and children between 7 and 17. Children under 7 and seniors above 69 y/o are free. I’m unsure if the senior discount is valid for foreigners.

Opening hours of the Shaolin temple :

Be aware that the main temple will only open at 8am.

Transportation inside the Shaolin park :

There’s an electric shuttle going from the entrance to the last cable car entrance about 2 kilometers away. You can walk like most people do, or use the shuttle for a small fee. The shuttle bus costs 15RMB for one-way and 25RMB return. There are also 2 cable cars in the complex, it’s not included in the entrance fee though.

What to see？

The first attraction is to see the students practicing their Kung Fu skills . They do that only in the morning, when we came back around 3pm it was empty.

After a kilometer you’ll arrive at the Martial Arts performance center where you can see a 30-minute Kung Fu show included in your entrance ticket. Be aware that it might be really packed inside.

Here’s the schedule of the Kung Fu show : 09:30 (summer only), 10:30, 11:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00 (summer only)

After the show you can walk in the same direction for another kilometer and you’ll arrive at the famous Shaolin temple . Take your time, there’s a lot to see, but unfortunately you won’t be the only one here.

Once you’re done with the temple, you can head towards the Dharma Cave . It’s a bit far off the main path and we did not have enough time to visit. Otherwise you can continue along the main road and you’ll arrive to the Pagoda Forest . This part is very quiet and often overlooked by Chinese tourists. Therefore you can have a relaxing walk around the numerous pagodas.

After this short escape off the crowd, continue forward and you’ll reach two cable cars : – Songshan cable car and the Songyang cable car . They are operating until 6pm.

You’ll need to pay another ticket. They sell one-way or round-way ticket. The Songshan cable car is much more popular than the other one. You might have to queue. The ticket is worth 70RMB one-way and 100RMB round-way. The Songyang cable car is cheaper at 25RMB one-way and 50RMB round-way.

Hiking the Songshan Mountain

Another recommended activity is to hike the Songshan mountain . It is part of the scenic park, so you won’t have to pay another ticket.

There are two options to hike, either you take the Songshan cable car and then continue hiking, or alternatively you can follow the main road before you reach some stairs which will lead you to the cable car’s arrival platform. From there it takes about 3 to 4 hours (or maybe less if you’re truly fit) to get to the final point of Sanhuangzhai , which is located on the other side of the mountain.

The views are incredible, but if you make it to Sanhuangzhai be aware that you shouldn’t count on finding any public transportation there. You’ll probably find a taxi or you could hitch a ride to go back to Dengfeng. There’s not much traffic on this road.

Alternatively, you can come back to the cable car and exit through the same entrance at the Shaolin temple instead. You could also start the hike from Sanhuangzhai by bargaining a taxi in Dengfeng and end up at the Shaolin temple. The disadvantage is that starting from this side is more strenuous since you’ll have to go up many stairs to reach the top.

If you wish to do the Songshan hike you should start very early, or plan to spend a night in Dengfeng or the Kung Fu hostel.

Do YOU wanna visit the Shaolin Temple? Have you hiked the Songshan mountain? Share your experience with us!

Like it ? Share it ! Share this content

• Opens in a new window

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Hi, thanks for the great simple description. Two queries- 1- how can I stay inside the temple? Are there guesthouses where students stay and anyway to book them? 2- Going from Shaolin Temple to Zhengzhou airport is easy by a bus? If not, what is the best way to travel (just don’t want to pay 200rmb for taxi) Can I avoid going to the city as I am flying out 6pm from Zhengzhou airport.

Would appreciate if you could answer soon as I am traveling there on this Saturday. Thanks

Hey, let me help you with what I know on the matter : 1- You can stay inside the temple by booking a bed in the Kungfu Hostel. You can find them on Agoda, Booking and other popular websites. This hostel caters to tourists and you won’t stay with any student. 2- I can’t assure you of anything, but it seems that there are buses from Dengfeng to the Zhengzhou airport. Unfortunately I don’t think there are any direct buses going to the airport from the temple. I could be wrong though since the situation changes frequently.

Thanks Maxime. 1- kungfu hostel is inside the scenic area? And not in Dengfeng. Is that correct?

2- from Dengfeng to airport is also ok as long as it saves my time to go into the city. I should probably check when I arrive there to plan my departure.

Sorry for the late reply, I didn’t get notified.

1- Yes the Kungfu Hostel is inside the scenic area and not in Dengfeng, you are correct.

Hi. Thanks a lot for this article. I has a lot of very useful details and all on one page! 🙂 I have one small question – do you know if it is possible to leave big luggage bag somewhere near Temple area? I plan to travel from Luoyang or Zhengzhou and visit Temple on my way, but the biggest concern is what to do with big luggage bag. Btw, have you visited Guoliang? It is relatively close to Zhengzhou. If you visited, may I ask you some questions about it?

Hi Alex, no we haven’t visited Guoliang, we found it to be a bit too far from Zhengzhou to make it as a day trip.

Regarding your luggage, there’s nothing much right next to the temple complex since it’s located outside of the city. The complex is rather big, so they might offer a place to store your luggage though. You can check on their official website if it’s written or not: Shaolin Temple Another possibility is to leave your luggage in the train station, I know some offer this option in China.

© 2023 The Nomad Family - All rights reserved

Privacy policy.

Learn How to Travel Around the World with $10 a day!

Get your Free Gift! 🎁

My travel planner.

Take action and start to plan your trip thanks to this 7-page travel checklist.

• Online Training
• · Self-Mastery Program ·
• Latest News
• NEW Dates 2024
• Official Delegation of the Shaolin Duan Pin System

Shaolin Summercamp 2024

• The Philosophy
• Online Videos
• Life in the monastery
• Private Lessons
• Monastery on Time
• Discipleship
• Volunteering
• Send us a message
• Donation / Support
• Where to find us
• General Terms and Conditions

Amituofo und Welcome

On the official website of the shaolin temple europe.

Usually we start every kind of communication with a respectful bow, because this one little gesture keeps reminding us that that the person we are dealing with at this moment is currently the most important person for us. Staying in the presence and being aware of what is Here and Now: In the moment where life happens and where changes can take place.

The Shaolin Temple Europe is eager to share the wisdom, which has been developed since more then 1519 years to help the people in this modern society. Many approaches, training and teaching methods have direct effect on the 3 treasures of Shaolin: Mind, Heart and Body. The holistic approach is based upon daily observation and development of the monks and masters of the Shaolin Temple.

We would be happy if we could inspire you to explore this uncommon journey with us and to learn more about this ancient culture and way of living.

2 Weeks intensive Training and practice of the Shaolin Arts

More Informations Shaolin Summercamp 2024 

NEW · 12-Month Online Training Course available!

You will find all detailed informations here: Shaolin.Online Self-Mastery Program

Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit's Home Page

Fundamentals of taijiquan 2018 -- part 3, 3rd february 2018, moscow, grasping sparrow's tail.

Grasping Sparrow's Tail -- Moscow 2018 from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo .

Courses and Classes

• Intensive Chi Kung Course
• Intensive Shaolin Kungfu Course
• Intensive Taijiquan Course
• List of Certified Shaolin Wahnam Instructors
• List of Certified Shaolin Wahnam Chi Kung Healers

Oxford University Press's Academic Insights for the Thinking World

The History of the World: Nixon visits Moscow

The history of the world: sixth edition.

• May 22 nd 2013

22 May 1972 The following is a brief extract from The History of the World: Sixth Edition by J.M. Roberts and O.A. Westad.

In October 1971 the UN General Assembly had recognized the People’s Republic as the only legitimate representative of China in the United Nations, and expelled the representative of Taiwan. This was not an outcome the United States had anticipated until the crucial vote was taken. The following February, there took place a visit by Nixon to China that was the first visit ever made by an American president to mainland Asia, and one he described as an attempt to bridge ‘sixteen thousand miles and twenty-two years of hostility.’

When Nixon followed his Chinese trip by becoming also the first American president to visit Moscow (in May 1972), and this was followed by an interim agreement on arms limitation – the first of its kind – it seemed that another important change had come about. The stark, polarized simplicities of the Cold War were blurring, however doubtful the future might be.

Reprinted from THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD: Sixth Edition by J.M. Roberts and O.A. Westad with permission from Oxford University Press, Inc. Copyright © 2013 by O.A. Westad.

J. M. Roberts CBE died in 2003. He was Warden at Merton College, Oxford University, until his retirement and is widely considered one of the leading historians of his era. He is also renowned as the author and presenter of the BBC TV series ‘The Triumph of the West’ (1985). Odd Arne Westad edited the sixth edition of The History of the World . He is Professor of International History at the London School of Economics. He has published fifteen books on modern and contemporary international history, among them ‘The Global Cold War,’ which won the Bancroft Prize.

Subscribe to the OUPblog via email or RSS . Subscribe to only history articles on the OUPblog via email or RSS .

• This Day in History

Our Privacy Policy sets out how Oxford University Press handles your personal information, and your rights to object to your personal information being used for marketing to you or being processed as part of our business activities.

We will only use your personal information to register you for OUPblog articles.

Or subscribe to articles in the subject area by email or RSS

Related posts:

Recent Comments

There are currently no comments.