2025 Shaolin Temple Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

#chinatravel For martial arts enthusiasts, the Shaolin Temple is a dream come true. Set at the foot of the Song Mountains, it’s the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu. The temple grounds are atmospheric, with ancient pagodas, halls, and statues of monks in dynamic poses. I was lucky enough to watch a kung fu demonstration by young students—it was thrilling and deeply respectful of tradition. Don’t miss the Pagoda Forest, where tombs of generations of monks stand in silent testimony. Whether you come for the spiritual history or martial arts legacy, Shaolin is a place of discipline, peace, and power.

#chinatrip #100waysoftravel #shaolin #dengfeng When visiting Shaolin Temple, taking the Shaolin cable car is a must. Due to our limited time and energy, we only hiked up to "Gaoshan Lansheng" before heading back. However, from there, we could already see the distant "Sanhuangzhai." We also got to see the "Shu Ce Cliff," a landmark we had long wanted to visit. This famous site earned its name because Mount Song has been submerged by the sea 4-5 times and, along with geological shifts, has created rock formations resembling rows of books on a shelf. There's a small snack stall on the mountain with reasonably priced food. I found their hot dry noodles incredibly satisfying—just perfect for my taste!

Getting There - Shaolin temple/song mountain 🏔 located in Dengfeng zhengzhou. can drive ..it’s about 1 hour drive from zhengzhou city Attractions - famous kungfu school in the world, you can enjoy beautiful scenery, can get a ticket at about 70 rmb to enter the temple. Hotels - there are many hotels near by as it is a famous tourists area... affordable price.. you have to call and check in with the hotel first Food & Restaurants - you can find all kinds of restaurants, famous one are plant based restaurant Shopping - not really much , better to just do shopping in Zhengzhou city as Dengfeng is a small city with just mountains. #shaolintemple #dengfeng #kungfu #china #henanprovince

Getting There - Shaolin temple/song mountain 🏔 located in Dengfeng zhengzhou. can drive ..it’s about 1 hour drive from zhengzhou city Attractions - famous kungfu school in the world, you can enjoy beautiful scenery, can get a ticket at about 70 rmb to enter the temple. Hotels - there are many hotels near by as it is a famous tourists area... affordable price.. you have to call and check in with the hotel first Food & Restaurants - you can find all kinds of restaurants, famous one are plant based restaurant Shopping - not really much , better to just do shopping in Zhengzhou city as Dengfeng is a small city with just mountains. #shaolintemple #dengfeng #kungfu #china #henanprovince

Shaolin temple #hikingtrails

Getting There - if you were getting there from Zhengzhou railway station, you can take a bus 318 towards Qiche Keyun Nanzhan ( approximately 20 minutes), the. walk to Zhengzhou Keyun Nanzhan, take a bus to Dengfen ( 登封） and ride for one hour 20 minutes. Then change for Dengfen Shaolin si bus and right for 50 minutes. don’t worry locals will help you to find your way. Attractions - Shaolin Temple has good almost than two thousands years of history. it’s protected by UNESCO heritage list. it contains several halls ( Mahavira hall, Shanmen hall and Hall of Heavenly Kings), Pagoda Forest, caves, monastery and training centre. The last provides to the visitors daily kungfu shows. Would recommend to take a ride on a cable line (price varies 60-90 yuan). Hotels - check in advance can foreigners stay in the hotel you’ve chosen. If you can’t speak Chinese ctrip staff would easily help you. Food & Restaurants - I would recommend to try 登封刀削面 - local specialty a bowl of noodles with fresh vegetables and meat. Shopping - recommend to buy wooden bracelet or any other wooden talisman locals sell. My dad was fancy to get a T-shirt with a picture of temple on it 😊 as a treat you can buy Dengfen kao bin - 登封烤饼 freshly baked pastry served with sesame seeds. #summervacation#hikingtrails

Last October I managed to get to one of the most northern capitals of EU - the capital of Estonia - Tallin. Even many years ago it was part of the Soviet Union nowadays the place is really different and beautiful. The architecture is amazing! It also offers good nightlife options. #happynewyear

"Tallinn" is the tomb of the ancient monks and the abbots since the establishment of the Shaolin Temple. It is a group of buildings with a long history in Shaolin Temple. Tallinn has a total of 248 stone towers. The height, size and number of layers of the tower are mainly determined by the depth, prestige and merits of Buddhism. In 2010, Shaolin Tallinn and Shaolin Temple were often hospitalized and ancestral ancestors. They were included in the World Heritage List as part of the ancient buildings in Dengfeng.

Shaolin Temple is surrounded by the Shaoshan Mountain of Yuelu Mountain in the Dengyue of Henan Province. The temple was built in the dense jungle, so it was named: "Shaolin Temple." "Say " said: "The Shaolin, the forest of the small room is also." Shaolin Temple is the birthplace of Chinese Buddhist Zen ancestral home and Shaolin martial arts. The mountain gate is between the pines and cypresses. The word "Shaolin Temple" in front of the temple is the ink of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. When people walk in here, they will be amazed by the beauty of the place and will be far away from the Shaolin Temple. The history is impressed. Shaolin Temple is famous for its Zen Buddhism. On the other hand, it is the birthplace of Chinese martial arts. The Dharma founder created Zen Buddhism here and carried it forward. Zen is a Chinese Buddhist sect, which deeply influenced the Chinese people's thinking and culture after that. The promotion of Shaolin Temple is even more thanks to the film "Shaolin Temple" and Mr. Jin Yong. In every work of the martial arts novel master Jin Yong, Shaolin Temple is almost always mentioned, so that countless people are drunk.

Nestled in the forests of Mount Song (嵩山), the Shaolin Temple (少林寺) is one of China’s most legendary sites — famous as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu. For over 1,500 years, monks here have trained body and mind in perfect balance. ✨ What to See • Shaolin Monastery — The main temple halls filled with incense and centuries-old Buddhist statues. • Pagoda Forest (塔林) — Over 200 ancient brick pagodas marking the tombs of generations of Shaolin monks. • Kung Fu Demonstrations — Daily shows by Shaolin disciples showcasing martial arts, acrobatics, and weapon forms. • Scenic Walks — Trails leading into the surrounding mountains, including routes up to Chuzu Temple, the original meditation site of Bodhidharma. 🌟 Why Visit? Shaolin isn’t just martial arts — it’s a living fusion of spirituality and discipline. The atmosphere of chanting monks, rustling trees, and the sound of wooden staffs striking in rhythm makes it unforgettable. 💡 Tips for Visitors • 📍 Located in Dengfeng, Henan, about 1.5 hours from Zhengzhou by car. • 🎟 Entry includes the temple, Pagoda Forest, and shuttle buses around the scenic area. • 🕘 Plan at least half a day — longer if you want to hike Mount Song. • 🚇 From Zhengzhou, take a bus or join a shuttle tour for convenience. • 🍵 Nearby, you can sample vegetarian temple cuisine — simple, healthy, and flavorful. ✨ Travel Idea Combine Shaolin Temple with the Henan Museum in Zhengzhou for a cultural + spiritual day trip, or pair it with Songyang Academy and Mount Song for a full Dengfeng heritage loop. #mytraveldiary #chinatravel #henan #shaolintemple #kungfu #zenbuddhism #少林寺

This journey took me deep into the soul of Chinese martial traditions — from the graceful power of Chen-style Tai Chi in Chenjiagou, to the legendary Shaolin Kung Fu in Dengfeng. I explored the Tai Chi Museum, visited the Chen Qingzhou Martial Arts Academy, and witnessed breathtaking performances such as the Donggou Tai Chi showcase and the spectacular large-scale Kung Fu show. 📍 Zhengzhou – Wenxian – Chenjiagou – Dengfeng – Songshan Highlights included a visit to the Song Mountain Sword Casting Chief, where I learned about ancient Chinese weapon culture, blending history with craftsmanship. This trip was truly unforgettable — a unique blend of body, mind, and spirit, and a deeper appreciation for the enduring wisdom of martial arts. I am sincerely grateful to my teachers for giving me this opportunity. 🌷 #TaiChiMuseum #ChenJiaGou #ChenQingzhouMartialArtsAcademy #ShaolinMartialArtsSchool #ShaolinTemple #SongMountainSwordCastingChief #KungfuShow

The legendary Shaolin Temple, nestled at the foot of Songshan Mountain, is more than just a historic site—it’s the spiritual home of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu. Stepping into this UNESCO-listed temple feels like entering a living museum, where monks still practice ancient martial arts amid centuries-old halls and towering cypress trees.

#chinatravel ### **🕉️ Why Visit Shaolin Temple?** Founded in **495 AD**, this UNESCO-listed monastery is where **Chan (Zen) Buddhism** met **martial arts**. Walk in the footsteps of legendary monks through: ✔ **Ancient stone steles** with 1,500 years of history ✔ **The Pagoda Forest** – 228 tomb pagodas for master monks ✔ **Live kung fu demonstrations** (don’t miss the 10:30AM show!) --- ### **🚍 Getting There** - **From Luoyang**: 1.5h by bus (¥25) or taxi - **From Zhengzhou**: 2h by tourist shuttle (¥35) - **Entrance**: ¥80 (includes temple & Kung Fu show) *Pro Tip*: Arrive by **8AM** to explore before crowds! --- ### **🥋 Unmissable Experiences** 1. **Morning Chanting** – Join monks in the **Mahavira Hall** at dawn 2. **Kung Fu Training** – Try a 1-hour class (kids welcome!) 3. **Hike to Dharma Cave** – Where Bodhidharma meditated for 9 years --- ### **🍜 Temple Eats** - **Vegetarian Monk’s Meal** (¥30) – Try the “Buddha’s delight” tofu - **Shaolin Sesame Cake** – Crispy street snack --- ### **📍 Nearby Treasures** - **Songyang Academy** – Ancient Confucian school (30 mins away) - **Zhongyue Temple** – Taoist holy site with 3,000 cypress trees **#ShaolinTemple #KungFu #ZenBuddhism #ChinaTravel** 🙏🥋🏯 *Ready to find your inner warrior? The mountains are calling!*

Visiting Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, Henan, was a truly unforgettable experience. Known as the birthplace of Chinese kung fu, this temple is also a living Buddhist monastery filled with deep history and spiritual energy. I watched a kung-fu show which was amazing. Arrive early to avoid crowds and give yourself time to soak in the atmosphere—this place is pure inspiration. 📍#ShaolinTemple #HenanTravel #KungFuLegends #CulturalHeritage #ChinaAdventures #HiddenGems #BuddhistTemples #TripMoments

#chinatravel The Shaolin Temple is world-renowned as the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu and a center of Zen Buddhism. Located on the sacred Songshan Mountain, the temple complex includes training halls, pagodas, and ancient stone inscriptions. Visitors can watch live martial arts performances by monks and even take short training classes. The nearby Pagoda Forest—a collection of ancient tombs—is also worth exploring. It’s a fascinating mix of religion, philosophy, and martial tradition, deeply rooted in Chinese heritage.

A complete guide to Shaolin Temple, the holy land of Kung Fu 🥋 The head temple of the Zen sect in Dengfeng, Henan Province, China, is the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu, boasting a history of over 1,500 years. 📍How to get there We recommend staying in Zhengzhou. There is a direct bus from Zhengzhou (about 2 hours), and we recommend purchasing your ticket at the bus stop the day before. On the day, take the bus early in the morning. 🎯Points to remember The martial arts performance is a must-see (held several times a day. Free of charge) The Towers (the group of tombs of the successive head priests) are a great photo spot You can also visit the nearby Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area (in this case, be sure to take the morning bus) It is a treasure trove of Chinese culture that can be enjoyed even by those who are not Kung Fu fans. It is recommended not only for Chinese history buffs and men, but also for those who want to be healed by Chinese nature, as it is surrounded by nature! #Shaolin Temple #China Travel #Henan Province #Overseas Travel Strategy #Dengfeng City #Shaolin Gongfu #Kung Fu #China Tourism

‼️ Attraction to visit in China! 🛕 Visit Shaolinsi, between LuoYang and ZhengZhou in the Henan Shen. You can come here on a day trip, or stay in a hotel nearby overnight. 🪷 Attractions within the area include the Shaolin Temple itself, DaMo Cave, the Pagoda forest, kungfu performances etc. There are optional electric cars at an additional cost to drive along the road leading up the Shaolin Temple. 💵 Ticket Price Full Price: 80 yuan Note: No half price tickets for international students, only students studying at Bachelors level in China.

📍Luoyang, China 🇨🇳 — where history breathes and blossoms bloom. Our journey through Luoyang began with a powerful start — at the legendary Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Kung Fu 🥋⛩️ Watching monks train in silence, surrounded by ancient pagodas and forested hills, felt surreal. The energy here is calm, focused, and deeply spiritual. Next, we visited the Peony Garden, where thousands of vibrant 牡丹 (peony) flowers bloom in spring 🌸 Known as the "King of Flowers," Luoyang’s peonies are bold, elegant, and bursting with color — just like the city itself. One of the most moving moments was standing before the Longmen Grottoes — thousands of Buddha statues carved directly into the cliffs, some as small as your palm, others towering over you 🪨🙏 The scale, detail, and peaceful atmosphere here left us speechless. It's not just art — it's devotion in stone. To end our trip, we wandered through Luoyi Ancient City — cobbled lanes, red lanterns, old-style shops, and street snacks that carried the warmth of tradition 🏮🍡 At night, the city glowed softly with yellow lights, like a painting from the past. Luoyang gave us a perfect blend of motion and stillness, tradition and charm. It’s a destination that deserves more love — and I’m glad I found it. #couplestrip #china #luoyang #shaolintemple

shaolin!

The Shaolin Temple is a beautiful and historic place. It’s known as the home of Kung Fu and has a peaceful atmosphere. The Kung Fu show was impressive and fun to watch.

🏯 Scenic Overview Shaolin Temple is not only the birthplace of Zen Buddhism but also the cradle of Chinese Kung Fu. This ancient monastery, with a history spanning over 1,500 years (established in 495 AD), integrates Zen, martial arts, medicine, and art. It is a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Center of Heaven and Earth." 🚗 Transportation Guide Precise Location: At the foot of Mount Shaoshi in Dengfeng City, Henan Province Recommended Routes: From Zhengzhou: Take the Zheng-Shao-Luo Expressway → Exit at Dengfeng West (1.5-hour drive) From Luoyang: Take the Erguang Expressway and transfer to Yanluo Expressway (1-hour drive) Public Transport Option: Take the "Zhengzhou-Dengfeng" tourist line from Zhengzhou Bus Station (ticket price: 28 RMB) ⏰ Best Visiting Times Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (until 5:00 PM in winter) Optimal Visit Times: Early Morning (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM): Avoid crowds and watch monks practicing martial arts After 4:00 PM: Ideal lighting for photography 💵 Ticket Tips Full Ticket: 80 RMB (includes the Permanent Courtyard, Pagoda Forest, and the First Patriarch's Shrine) 📸 Three Must-Photograph Sacred Spots 1. Stele Forest Relics (Image 1) Historical Highlights: The stele gallery outside the gate features over 300 steles from the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties Special Shot: Capture the stele inscribed by Jin Yong (erected in 2001) Find the "Taizong Emperor's Imperial Stele" (authentic Tang dynasty stele) Fun Fact: Some inscriptions document the history of Shaolin monks aiding the Tang dynasty in quelling rebellions 2. Guanyin Pavilion (Image 2) Architectural Marvel: A Ming dynasty double-eaved pavilion Unique Feature: Copper bells hanging from the eaves produce a serene sound when the wind blows Best Angles: Use the stone lion in front of the pavilion as a foreground for upward shots Capture silhouette effects during sunset 3. Painted Beams (Image 3) Artistic Treasure: The highest-grade "Heshi Painted Art" from the Qing dynasty Key Details: Admire the "gold and emerald" craftsmanship in the dragon and phoenix patterns Observe the "Shaolin Boxing Manual" reliefs on the column bases

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Luoyang Aoweisi Boutique Hotel (Yingtianmen Xigong Street Branch) 💡 Tips

I just spent three days in Luoyang, and it was an amazing experience! The Shaolin Temple was a major highlight. Seeing the Pagoda Forest and watching the young monks train in Shaolin Kung Fu was really cool. The Kung Fu show was super impressive too! Next up were the Longmen Grottoes, which were incredible. There are over 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into the cliffs, and it’s mind-blowing to think about how they were made so long ago. The whole place had a really peaceful vibe, and it was amazing to see such a big part of history. #travel #shaolin #luoyang Overall, Luoyang was an awesome mix of spirituality and culture. I loved every minute of it!

🕰️Business trip

Apart from its contribution to the development of Chinese Buddhism, as well as for its historical, cultural, and artistic heritage, the temple is famous for its martial arts tradition. Shaolin monks have been devoted to research, creation, and continuous development and perfecting of Shaolin Kung Fu. On your way to shaolin temple , (February 2025) first stop it’s in a big parking area , there you have to pay for a bus ticket to the temple, after 30-40 mins you will arrive at the entrance, you have to buy a ticket , and after that it’s quite a lot of walking to be done (another 40 mins). Make sure you have a decent pair of walking shoes as the steps can be slippery. In the winter month of feb2025, the walk is very pleasant but there was a lot of people (Chinese new year holiday). Buggies are available too or helicopter. #china #shaolintemple #henan

A visit to Luoyang wouldn't be complete without a pilgrimage to the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Kung Fu. Located about a 1.5-hour bus ride from the city, it's an easy day trip, allowing you to be back in Luoyang by late afternoon. Shaolin Temple holds a mythical aura. This isn't just a monastery; it's a legendary institution, a cradle of martial arts that has captivated the world. The story goes that the Indian monk Bodhidharma, frustrated by the monks' physical frailty, developed a series of exercises to improve their strength and stamina. These exercises, over time, evolved into the sophisticated martial art we know today as Kung Fu. The temple itself is a sight to behold. The serene atmosphere is palpable, and you can almost feel the history seep into your skin. Watching the monks demonstrate their incredible skills during the kung fu performances was mesmerizing. And if you're feeling particularly adventurous, you might even be invited to try your hand at a few moves on stage – I, unfortunately, lacked the courage! Shaolin Temple's fame soared after the 1982 Jet Li film, "Shaolin Temple," brought its legend to the global stage. More recently, the video game "Black Myth: Wukong" has thrust Shaolin back into the spotlight, captivating gamers worldwide with its stunning visuals and thrilling combat inspired by Shaolin martial arts. A Note on Weather: I visited in early winter, and let me tell you, it gets chilly up there! The temple is situated on a hill, so the wind can be quite strong. Make sure to layer up and pack a warm jacket. Getting There: Numerous tour operators in Luoyang offer day trips to Shaolin Temple. If you're based in Xi'an or Zhengzhou, you can also find tours departing from those cities, although the journey will be longer. A visit to Shaolin Temple is an unforgettable experience. It's a chance to witness the birthplace of a legendary martial art, to soak in the serene atmosphere of a historic monastery, and to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and history. #ShaolinTemple #KungFu #ChinaTravel #Luoyang #TravelBlog #china