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Visit the Heavenly King Hall to admire its ancient architecture and historical significance. Take a moment to explore the large and intricate murals inside the hall, which showcase traditional Chinese art. Walk around the surrounding temple grounds and enjoy the serene atmosphere, perfect for reflection and photography.
The Hall of Heavenly Kings, located at the end of the Forest of Steles, is the second hall of the Shaolin Temple's permanent residence. Along with the Main Hall and the Sutra Library, it is considered one of the three great halls. The Hall of Heavenly Kings features a double-eaved hip roof, red walls, green tiles, and painted brackets. Between the upper and lower eaves hangs a plaque inscribed with the words "Hall of Heavenly Kings" by Chu Tunan.
Outside the hall gate are two great Vajras, Mitra and Narayana, also known as the "Heng" and "Ha" generals. Inside the hall are statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, also known as the Four Vajras, representing favorable weather and good harvests. They are Dhritarashtra in the East, Virūdhaka in the South, Virūpākṣa in the West, and Vairocana in the North.
The Hall of Heavenly Kings is named after the Four Heavenly Kings, who symbolize "Wind, Harmony, Rain, and Smoothness." The hall is a three-bay, double-eaved, hip-and-gable rooftop building with red walls and green tiles, and painted brackets. Inside the door, in front of the screen, are two Vajra statues, one on each side.
The temperate monsoon climate has moderate temperatures, making it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Entering the mountain gate of Shaolin Temple, the first Buddhist temple you see is the Heavenly King Hall, which enshrines Maitreya Buddha, the Four Heavenly Kings and Skanda. It is not large in scale, and a plaque with the words "The First Ancestral Temple in the World" hangs high inside, indicating the lofty status of Shaolin Temple in the Buddhist community.
It is recommended to play for about 30 minutes.
Scenic spot package 80 yuan/person
08:00-18:00
The Heavenly King Hall in Zhengzhou is a revered historical site, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. The hall has been a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage and religious significance, housing statues and artifacts important to local worship practices. It is a place of deep cultural reflection and an example of ancient Chinese architectural artistry.
The Heavenly King Hall is located in the city center of Zhengzhou, Henan. It can be reached by metro (Line 1, getting off at the nearest station), bus, or taxi. For a more leisurely visit, walking from nearby landmarks or hotels is also possible, especially if you're staying in the city center.
The Heavenly King Hall is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowd and heat, as well as to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
The entrance fee to the Heavenly King Hall is typically around 20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the ticket counter. Online ticketing may not always be available, so it's best to buy them upon arrival.
No, advance booking is not required. Tickets can be purchased on the spot when you arrive at the attraction. However, during busy tourist seasons or festivals, it might be advisable to arrive early to avoid long queues.
Most visitors spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the Heavenly King Hall and its surroundings. This allows time to appreciate the architecture, take photos, and experience the peaceful temple grounds.
The must-see highlight is the main statue of the Heavenly King, along with the intricate murals depicting Chinese religious themes. The architecture itself, with its beautiful wooden beams and traditional design, is also a key feature. The temple grounds surrounding the hall provide a serene atmosphere for quiet reflection.
Guided tours may be available in Mandarin. Some local guides offer informal tours to visitors. Audio guides are not typically provided, so it’s recommended to join a local tour if you want in-depth explanations of the historical context and artwork.
The best photography spots are from the front of the hall, where you can capture the stunning architecture and surrounding greenery. The hall’s large wooden doors and intricate carvings are also great close-up photo opportunities. The temple grounds provide additional scenic views, particularly in the early morning or at sunset.
Start by entering the hall through the main doors, where you can admire the statues and murals. After exploring the hall, walk around the temple grounds to take in the peaceful surroundings. Finish your visit by sitting in the garden or resting in one of the pavilions nearby, enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not available. The Heavenly King Hall is only open during daylight hours, so plan your visit accordingly. Special tours are available in the daytime, especially during peak seasons, but these must be arranged in advance if available.
The Heavenly King Hall can get crowded on weekends and during holidays, particularly in the afternoon. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning on weekdays, or in the late afternoon just before closing time.
There are public toilets available on-site. However, food and drink options are limited within the attraction itself. Nearby areas have some restaurants and cafes, and there are small souvenir shops outside the hall.
The attraction is partially accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, though some areas may require walking on uneven terrain. There are benches for resting, but there may not be full accessibility throughout the site, especially in the temple’s inner sections.
Cash is accepted at the entrance and for purchasing small items. However, mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used in the area. Credit cards are less commonly accepted, so it’s advisable to carry cash or use mobile payment apps.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the Heavenly King Hall, but there are several options nearby in Zhengzhou city center. These include Chinese eateries and fast food chains that serve local dishes.
Vegetarian options are available at some nearby restaurants. For vegan or halal food, you may need to head to specific restaurants in the city that cater to these dietary preferences.
There are numerous hotels and accommodations within walking distance or a short drive from the Heavenly King Hall, ranging from budget to mid-range hotels. Many visitors opt for stays in the Zhengzhou city center for greater variety and convenience.
Nearby attractions include the Zhengzhou Museum, Shaolin Temple, and the Yellow River Scenic Area. All of these are easily reachable by public transportation or taxi and can be combined in a day trip.
There are a few souvenir shops near the Heavenly King Hall selling religious trinkets, small Buddha statues, and traditional Chinese crafts. Typical souvenirs include local handicrafts, jade ornaments, and religious-themed items.
Taxis, buses, and the Zhengzhou metro system are all available for further travel after visiting the Heavenly King Hall. For those looking to explore more distant locations, taxis and long-distance buses provide convenient options.
