Shaolin Temple - the Birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu & World Heritage Site

Just like other traditional temple architectures in China, Shaolin Temple boasts a layout characterized by several main halls aligned along its central axis. Among these prominent structures are the Hall of Heavenly Kings (天王殿), where celestial guardians watch over, the Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿), dedicated to the veneration of the Buddha, the Abbot's Room (方丈), serving as the residence of the temple's leader, the serene Lixue Hall (立雪亭), and the majestic Thousand-Buddha Hall (千佛殿). Complementing these central halls are ancillary structures such as the Bell Tower, the rhythmic Drum Tower, and other halls devoted to Buddhist practice and ritual. This harmonious arrangement embodies both the spiritual significance and the architectural beauty of Shaolin Temple.

As you enter the temple and explore its halls, you'll not only admire its architecture but also encounter captivating Buddhist stories. Among these are tales of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, including his legendary journey across the Yangtze River on a reed and his nine-year meditation facing a cave wall. You'll also learn about Huike, Bodhidharma's first disciple, and his journey to enlightenment. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, these stories come to life, offering insight into the spiritual heritage of Shaolin Temple.

Please note: 1) Greet monks with palms together devoutly or raise your right palm vertically to the left while lowering your head slightly. 2) Photography inside the Buddhist halls is prohibited, but it is allowed outside the halls.

While exploring Shaolin Temple, don't miss the captivating Kung Fu performances held in the Martial Hall, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Admission to these shows is included in the ticket price for Shaolin Temple. There are typically 6 shows daily (at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:00, 15:00, 16:00, 15: 00), allowing visitors to enjoy these dynamic displays of martial prowess. For a more immersive experience, guests have the option to spend an additional CNY 30 to witness a Kung Fu Show performed by the authentic monks of Shaolin Temple within the temple area. These shows also last for 30 minutes and are available five times daily (at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:00, 15:00). Read more about Shaolin Kung Fu Show >

Please note: 1) The frequency and timing of Kung Fu shows are subject to change and provided for your reference only. 2) Due to the popularity of the shows, it's advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance to secure a seat closer to the stage.

If you are passionate about Shaolin Kung Fu, China Discovery can offer a Kung Fu training class. During these sessions, participants learn various forms, experiencing the profound blend of Zen Buddhism principles with martial arts. Following the training, you have the opportunity to enjoy a wholesome vegetarian lunch with the monks of Shaolin Temple, gaining insight into their traditional dietary practices and communal lifestyle. Please note that a minimum of 2 participants is required for the Kung Fu training class at Shaolin Temple.

☛ 3 Days In-depth Dengfeng Shaolin Kung Fu Tour

For Kung Fu fans who want to learn instead of experience some real Shaolin Kung Fu, you can join the Kung Fu Academy of Shaolin Temple. Reservation should be made on its official website - www.shaolin.org.cn/. There are also some other private Kungfu schools near the temple. Alternatively, longer training classes are also available at Kung Fu schools in Dengfeng city, allowing enthusiasts to delve even deeper into the art of Shaolin Kung Fu. Learn more about Shaolin Kung Fu training

Learn more Popular Dengfeng Shaolin Temple Tours!

The Shaolin Pagoda Forest stands as the largest of its kind in China, spanning an impressive 21,000 square meters and home to approximately 230 ancient pagodas. These pagodas serve as the final resting places for monks from past generations, endowing this site with immense significance in the Buddhist world.

When a revered monk passed away, their remains or skeleton would be interred within an underground palace, upon which a pagoda would be constructed. The height, size, and number of layers of the pagoda were determined by the monk's knowledge of Buddhism, reputation, and merits and virtues accumulated during their lifetime.

The pagodas within the forest represent various dynasties, including 2 from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), 2 from the Song Dynasty (960-1279), 10 from the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), 46 from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), 148 from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and the remaining pagodas from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1991) or of unknown age. This diverse array of pagodas bears witness to the rich history and cultural heritage preserved within the Shaolin Pagoda Forest.

Sanhuang Village Scenic Resort, situated to the south of Shaolin Temple, is renowned as the most picturesque area of Mount Song. A key component of Songshan National Forest Park, it is celebrated for its exceptional biological diversity and geological formations. The forest within Sanhuang Village is lush and diverse, showcasing various geological formations from the Archean, Proterozoic, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras, earning it the moniker of "Natural Geological Museum.

Access to Sanhuang Village is available through two entrances: the north entrance at Shaolin Temple and the south entrance at Sanhuang Village itself. The most breathtaking scenery lies in proximity to Shaolin Temple.

For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Sanhuang Village, options include ascending the mountain via cable car, hiking to your desired extent, and then returning by cable car. Alternatively, for a more adventurous hiking experience, visitors can trek (or take a cable car) from Shaolin Temple, hike up the mountain, descend on foot, and exit from the south entrance.

Please note: 1) Hiking routes between the southern and northern foot of the mountain typically require approximately 4.5-5.5 hours, while combining one-way cable car with hiking generally takes 3.5-4 hours. 2) The cable car takes CNY 70 for a one-way trip and CNY 100 for a round trip. 2) To reach the starting/ending point of the hiking route at the northern foot of the mountain from the north entrance, a battery car can be taken for CNY 20, which takes approximately 12 minutes.

☛ 3 Days Luoyang Shaolin Temple Mount Song Hiking Tour

Shaolin is located in Dengfeng city, a prefecture-level City of Zhengzhou,

• about 15 km (about 30 minutes’ drive) away from Dengfeng City Center;
• about 90 km away (about 1.5 hours’ drive) from Zhengzhou;
• about 55 km (about 1.5 hours’ drive) away from Luoyang;

There is no flight or high speed trains running to Shaolin or Dengfeng City directly. Most travelers get to Zhengzhou City or Luoyang City first, then transfer to Shaolin Temple.

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

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:

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