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Bodhidharma Cave is located more than ten meters below the summit of the middle peak of the Five Breast Peaks behind Chuzu Temple. This natural stone cave is where Bodhidharma, the "first patriarch of Zen Buddhism," spent nine years facing the wall, hence the name Bodhidharma Cave. The cave is approximately seven meters deep and over three meters high and wide. Outside, a stone archway stands, built in 1604 (the Jiachen year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty). It features two stone pillars. The southern plaque is inscribed by Hu Bin, "Silent Mystery Place," while the northern plaque is inscribed by Yandu Jinxi, "Eastern Origin." Inside, a groove over one meter high and about 60 centimeters wide remains on the stone wall, marking the site where Bodhidharma faced the wall. Four stone Buddha statues are housed within.
Bodhidharma Cave faces southwest, its entrance formed by an archway constructed of bluestone. Inside, on a platform, three stone statues stand: a seated Bodhidharma in the center, flanked by his disciples. According to the Qing Dynasty book "Shuo Song," a small stone pagoda once stood on the upper left side of the cave, long since destroyed. Bodhidharma Cave is quite cool and shady, creating a chilly and chilly feeling upon entering.
At the summit of Wuru Peak, above Bodhidharma Cave, stands a massive, 12-meter-tall, 32-square-meter seated statue of Bodhidharma, constructed from blocks of white jade. The statue was built in 1995 with donations from hundreds of devout believers in Shenyang. Two 1995 monuments stand in front of the white jade statue. About 50 meters west of the statue stands the "Xiyuan Pavilion," built in 1984 by the Songshan Administration.
The temperate monsoon climate has four distinct seasons, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
In front of the cave, there is a stone archway from the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty and a seven-character poem inscribed by Su Minwang of the Ming Dynasty. There are also stone statues of Bodhidharma and Huike inside the cave.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
Shaolin Temple ticket: 65 yuan/person
Since 2008, the Dharma Cave has been closed for 20 years.
Bodhidharma Cave is an important cultural and historical site in Chinese Buddhism. It is believed to be the place where Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, meditated for nine years, facing a wall in deep contemplation. The cave holds great significance for Zen practitioners and those interested in Buddhist history.
Bodhidharma Cave is located in the Songshan Mountain area, near Zhengzhou, Henan Province. It is best accessed by taxi or private car. Public buses are available from Zhengzhou to the Songshan Mountain area, but walking is not ideal due to the distance from the city center.
The cave is typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit, as these hours are less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
The entrance fee to the Bodhidharma Cave is usually around 30–50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through the official tourism website for the Songshan area.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but recommended during peak tourist seasons or weekends to avoid long queues. Booking a few days in advance is sufficient.
A visit to Bodhidharma Cave typically takes around 1 to 2 hours, including time for walking around the cave and exploring the nearby sites and monuments.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides may also be available in Chinese, but options in other languages are limited. It is advisable to bring a translation app or guide if you do not speak Chinese.
The best photography spots are around the cave entrance and the surrounding hills, which provide a stunning backdrop of nature. The area near the statues also offers great photo opportunities.
Start by visiting the Bodhidharma Cave itself, followed by a walk around the surrounding grounds to see the statues and inscriptions. If time allows, explore the nearby Songshan Mountain area for additional scenic views and historical sites.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Bodhidharma Cave. The site is best experienced during the day, when the natural beauty and historical significance are more apparent.
The cave can get crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are early mornings on weekdays, particularly outside of peak tourist seasons.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available at the site. However, food and drink options may be limited. It is advisable to bring your own water and snacks, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding area.
The cave and surrounding areas are accessible to elderly and children, though some walking is required. The terrain can be rocky, so disabled visitors may find it challenging to navigate the area without assistance.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are more commonly used in China. Credit and debit cards may also be accepted at the ticket counter.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the entrance to the Songshan Mountain area where you can enjoy traditional Chinese meals. However, dining options inside the Bodhidharma Cave area are limited.
Vegetarian food options are generally available at local restaurants in the area. Halal food options may be more difficult to find, and it’s recommended to ask in advance or bring your own food if necessary.
There are a few hotels and guesthouses near the Songshan Mountain area, catering to tourists visiting the cave and the surrounding landmarks. Some may offer shuttle services to the cave.
Yes, there are souvenir shops nearby where you can find Buddhist-themed items, local handicrafts, and other traditional souvenirs, such as incense, prayer beads, and small statues of Bodhidharma.
After visiting Bodhidharma Cave, taxis, private cars, or ride-sharing services can take you to nearby attractions like Songshan Mountain or Shaolin Temple. Public buses are available, but taxis are more convenient.
