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The Southern Shaolin Scenic Tourist Area is located in Jiuhua Mountain, Xitianwei Town, Licheng District, Putian City, 16 kilometers away from the city center. It starts from Lingtoulongli in the east, Beimen Village in the west, Houzhuo Village in the south, and Zushan Temple in the north. Fuzhou-Xiamen National Highway 324 runs through the entire area. The Fuzhou-Xiamen Expressway has an interchange with the area, and Lihan Avenue passes through it, providing convenient transportation conditions for economic development and the Southern Shaolin Scenic Area.
The Southern Shaolin Scenic Tourist Area has a total planned area of 26.1 square kilometers. Jiuhua Diecui and Zixiao Strange Rocks within the area are listed as two of Putian's Twenty-Four Scenic Spots. The scenic area adopts a central-radiating spatial layout based on the natural geographical distribution of scenic spots. A tour organization system combining belts, zones, and areas is employed, forming a "one belt, three zones, nine areas" structure. These include: a waterfront leisure and vacation tourism section centered northward at Shipan Reservoir; three scenic areas: Southern Shaolin, Jiuhua Diecui, and Zixiao Strange Rocks; and nine scenic areas: Shaolin Lansheng, Jiuhua Diecui, Zixiao Yanfu, Chenghu Jinbi, Xiangfeng Misty Sea, Fengyang Jun Valley, Kuzhu Secluded Realm, Caicheng Kangzhuang, and Xilan Chunhui.
The scenic area boasts abundant natural resources, including lush trees, unusually shaped rocks, picturesque mountains and clear waters, and breathtaking scenery. Blessed with unique natural resources, it boasts numerous cultural attractions, historic buildings, folk art and legends, and a rich tapestry of traditional culture and local specialties. Southern Shaolin, the birthplace of Southern-style boxing, is a sacred place for the promotion of Shaolin culture and a hub for martial arts and fitness training.
Subtropical monsoon climate; suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Shaolin Scenic Spots, Jiuhua Mountains, Purple Nights of Longing, Chenghu Lake, and Elephant Peak Sea of Mist;
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
Free and open
6:00-18:00, last admission at 18:00
The Southern Shaolin Temple was once a center of Buddhist teaching and martial arts practice. Although the original temple was destroyed in the 17th century, the ruins remain an important historical site, linked to the spread of Shaolin Kung Fu and Buddhist philosophy across China and beyond.
The Southern Shaolin Temple Ruins are located in Putian, Fujian Province. Visitors can take a taxi from Putian city center or use local buses. Walking is also possible if you are staying nearby, but taxis are more convenient for reaching the site directly.
The temple ruins are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and comfortable for exploration.
The entrance fee is about 40 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via local ticketing platforms in advance.
Booking tickets in advance is optional, but it is recommended during busy seasons like public holidays. Booking a few days before your visit should be sufficient.
It typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the temple ruins and learn about their history. If you plan to participate in a martial arts demonstration or workshop, you may want to allow additional time.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some may offer basic tours in English. Audio guides in Mandarin are typically offered, and English versions may be available upon request for certain tours.
Start by exploring the temple ruins and then visit the nearby martial arts area for a demonstration. Afterward, take a walk around the scenic grounds before heading to the museum or information center for a deeper understanding of the site.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at the Southern Shaolin Temple Ruins. However, special martial arts tours and workshops are occasionally held, depending on the season.
The site can get crowded during public holidays and weekends. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the early morning hours or late afternoon.
There are basic facilities on-site, including toilets, water stations, and small shops selling souvenirs. However, food options are limited, so it is advisable to bring your own snacks if needed.
The site is mostly accessible, but some areas with ruins or uneven terrain might be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy the site, but supervision is recommended due to the ruins.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Some smaller vendors may only accept cash, so it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Vegetarian food is available in nearby restaurants, though vegan and halal options may be limited. It’s recommended to ask ahead if you have specific dietary preferences.
There are souvenir shops at the entrance selling local crafts, including Shaolin martial arts-themed items, tea sets, and Buddhist-related products.
