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An ancient temple nestled in the mountains, a serene stream envelops the Shaolin Temple. Founded in 495 AD, the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song is one of the Five Sacred Mountains, the most important of the Central Mountains. It has become a household name, a sacred Buddhist destination. Despite its many vicissitudes, the temple has left behind a rich treasure trove of cultural relics.
There are more than 400 stone carvings from the dynasties after the Northern Qi Dynasty, more than 250 brick and stone tombs and pagodas from the Tang Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, the main hall of Chuzu Temple in the Northern Song Dynasty, the huge colorful mural of Five Hundred Arhats in the Ming Dynasty, the Shaolin boxing manual and the colorful mural of Thirteen Monks Saving the King of Qin in the Qing Dynasty, etc., all of which have high historical, artistic and scientific value. Shaolin Temple is collectively known as the ancestral home of Zen Buddhism in world Buddhism, and has developed rapidly on this basis. In particular, after the Thirteen Monks rescued Emperor Li Shimin in the early Tang Dynasty, it was highly valued by the Tang Dynasty and won the reputation of being the most famous temple in the world.
Numerous inscribed steles line the corridor leading to the Shaolin Temple's mountain gate, forming the Shaolin Temple Forest of Steles. The eastern side of the Forest of Steles, formerly Ciyun Hall, has been converted into the Shaolin Temple Stele Gallery, housing over 100 steles. These include the Shaolin Temple Stele from the sixth year of Wuping in the Northern Qi Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty Tianhou Imperial Stele of Poetry and Calligraphy from the second year of Yongchun in the Tang Dynasty, and the Shaolin Zen Master Daogong Stele, inscribed by Dong Qichang. These steles not only chronicle the temple's rise and fall, but also hold great research value in terms of history, sculpture, and art, forming a rich treasure trove of calligraphy.
The temperate monsoon climate is suitable for all seasons, but spring and autumn are the best seasons for travel.
There are a total of 108 steles in the Shaolin Temple Stele Forest and Stele Gallery, which record the rise and fall of the temple. They are also of high research value in terms of history and art and are well worth a visit.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
Shaolin Temple package: 80 yuan/person
08:00-17:00
The Shaolin Temple Forest of Steles is an important cultural site, housing over 200 ancient steles that record the history of the Shaolin Temple and its martial arts traditions. The steles are inscribed with valuable historical texts and epitaphs, providing insight into the development of Chinese martial arts and Buddhism. The forest also symbolizes the temple's deep connection with Chinese history and its role in shaping martial culture.
The Shaolin Temple Forest of Steles is located near the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, Henan Province. You can reach it by taking a taxi from the Shaolin Temple or nearby towns. Public buses also operate in the area, though taxis are the most convenient option. The site is about a 15-minute drive from the Shaolin Temple.
The site is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. The best times to visit are during the early morning or late afternoon on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and holidays.
The entrance fee is around ¥30 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via local tourism websites.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is advisable to do so during peak seasons or holidays to avoid long queues.
It typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the Shaolin Temple Forest of Steles, depending on how much time you spend reading the inscriptions and admiring the steles.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides in English may be available for a small fee at the entrance.
The best spots for photography include the steles themselves, the ancient inscriptions, and the surrounding forest. The overall serenity of the area provides great opportunities for landscape photography as well.
Start at the entrance, follow the main pathway that leads you through the forest, and take time to examine the steles and their inscriptions. End your visit at the central open space to take in the overall view of the forest and surrounding areas.
There are no night visits or light shows available at the Shaolin Temple Forest of Steles. However, there may be special martial arts performances or cultural ceremonies during certain times of the year.
The site can be crowded during weekends and holidays, particularly in the summer and around martial arts festivals. For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
The site is mostly accessible with paved paths and rest areas. However, there are some uneven surfaces along the forest path, so visitors with mobility challenges may find it difficult in certain areas.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted at the site. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it's advisable to carry cash or use mobile payment methods.
There are a few local restaurants near the Shaolin Temple serving traditional Chinese dishes. Many options are also available in Dengfeng city, just a short drive away.
Vegetarian options are commonly available in local restaurants. Halal food may be found in certain eateries in Dengfeng, but it’s best to check ahead if needed.
There are several hotels near the Shaolin Temple Forest of Steles, including budget hotels and mid-range accommodations. Some of the nearby hotels also cater to tourists visiting the Shaolin Temple.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling martial arts-related items, such as Shaolin monk figurines, traditional kung fu swords, and local handicrafts.
Taxis are the most convenient transportation option after visiting the Shaolin Temple Forest of Steles. Public buses are available, but taxis offer more flexibility for further exploration.
