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Mount Song's main peak, over 760 meters above sea level, has been known since ancient times as the "Legacy of Songshan." Historical records state that "the mountain is majestic, with three peaks standing in a row on the north side, resembling a screen, and the central peak towering above, presiding over the region." These majestic peaks overshadow the counties (districts) of Linqu, Yiyuan, and Zibo. The mountains are towering, the valleys deep, and the springs flowing. The scenery is breathtaking in all seasons. The main peak area of Mount Song boasts over 30 scenic spots, including Longquan Temple, Five Finger Peak, Moon-Watching Stone, Shaoshi Peak, Dayu Valley, Xiyu Hot Springs, and the Qi Great Wall.
The Songshan Scenic Area is a vast area, primarily comprised of the Shaolin Scenic Area (including the Shaolin Temple's permanent residence, the Pagoda Forest, Bodhidharma Cave, Chuzu Temple, and the Three Emperors' Village), the Songyang Scenic Area (including Songyang Academy, Taishishan Laomu Cave, Junji Peak, Huishan Temple, Fawang Temple, and the Songyue Temple Pagoda), and the Zhongyue Scenic Area (including Zhongyue Temple, Luya Waterfall, and the free Observatory). Dotted with attractions of all sizes, the vast Songshan Mountain, a blend of culture and nature, attracts visitors from around the world.
continental monsoon humid climate;
Best in spring and autumn
Shaolin Temple
Shaolin Temple is the birthplace of Shaolin martial arts, recognized worldwide as the authentic style of Chinese martial arts. The Shaolin Temple Permanent Residence is the core of the temple, where the presiding monks and deacons conduct Buddhist rituals. It covers a total area of over 30,000 square meters and comprises seven courtyards.
Shaolin Temple is also renowned for its inscriptions. The numerous inscriptions flank the entrance corridor, known as the Shaolin Temple Forest of Steles. These are renowned original inscriptions dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties. To the east of the Forest of Steles lies the former site of Ciyun Hall, now the Shaolin Temple Stele Gallery. These inscriptions not only chronicle the temple's rise and fall, but also hold significant research value in terms of history, sculpture, and art. The Shaolin Temple Forest of Steles and its gallery contain a total of 108 inscriptions.
Tallinn
Located approximately 300 meters west of Shaolin Temple, this area spans over 14,000 square meters and contains 246 pagodas dating from the Tang, Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, making it the largest extant ancient pagoda complex in my country. The pagodas are scattered like a forest, hence the name Pagoda Forest. The Pagoda Forest houses the tombs of successive abbots and accomplished monks.
Zhongyue Temple
This famous Taoist temple is located at the eastern foot of Mount Song in Dengfeng County, Henan Province. It was first built in the Qin Dynasty. In the first year of Yuanfeng in the Western Han Dynasty (110 BC), Emperor Wu of Han ordered the temple officials to add to the existing system while visiting Mount Song. In the fifth year of Yuanchu in the Eastern Han Dynasty (118 AD), the "Taishi Que" was added. During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the temple was moved to Yu'an Ridge and Huanggai Peak in Songshan.
It is recommended to play for 3 to 4 hours
80 yuan/person
08:00-18:00;
Taishi Mountain, Songyang Academy, Zhongyue Temple: 8:00-18:00
Shaolin Temple: 8:00-17:00 (specific opening hours depend on each scenic area)
Songshan Scenic Area is one of China’s Five Great Mountains, known for its deep historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. It has been a place of Buddhist worship for centuries, most famously home to the Shaolin Temple, where the martial art of Kung Fu was born. The mountain is revered as a symbol of Chinese culture and is a popular destination for spiritual pilgrims and tourists alike.
Songshan Scenic Area is located in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. You can reach the site by taking a bus or taxi from Zhengzhou city center. There are also guided tours that offer transportation from major hotels. Public buses and taxis can be easily found to get to the Shaolin Temple area, which is the most visited spot.
Songshan Scenic Area is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant. Weekdays are generally less crowded, making them the ideal time for a more peaceful experience.
The entrance fee to Songshan Scenic Area is approximately 120 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site, though it is advisable to buy them online in advance during peak seasons to avoid long lines.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during the high tourist seasons (spring and autumn). You can book tickets online at least 1-2 days in advance to secure your spot.
It takes about 4-5 hours to explore the main attractions in Songshan Scenic Area, including the Shaolin Temple, hiking to Shaoshi Peak, and visiting other key temples and viewpoints.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available at the Songshan Scenic Area. Some tours may offer English-speaking guides during peak tourist seasons, but it’s best to check in advance. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages including English.
Start your visit with the Shaolin Temple, then hike up to Shaoshi Peak for breathtaking views. Afterward, visit the Zhongyue Temple, and explore the nearby ancient stone carvings. You can also take a walk through the nature trails surrounding the mountain.
Night visits and light shows are not typically offered in Songshan Scenic Area. However, special cultural performances related to Shaolin Kung Fu may be available in the evening in nearby areas.
The area can get crowded during holidays and weekends. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays, especially in the off-season (late autumn and winter).
There are basic facilities including toilets, food stalls, and rest areas throughout the Songshan Scenic Area. Restaurants and souvenir shops are available near the Shaolin Temple and main tourist spots.
The Songshan Scenic Area is relatively accessible for elderly and children, although some of the trails to higher peaks can be strenuous. Wheelchair access may be limited in certain areas, especially on steep mountain paths.
Cash, mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay), and credit cards are widely accepted at the Songshan Scenic Area and surrounding shops.
There are a few local restaurants near the Shaolin Temple that serve traditional Chinese food, including vegetarian options. Some of the eateries offer meals for tourists, but they may be basic.
Vegetarian food options are available in restaurants around the Shaolin Temple, especially given its connection to Buddhist culture. Halal food options may be limited, so it’s advisable to check in advance.
There are several hotels near the Songshan Scenic Area, especially around the Shaolin Temple. Accommodations range from budget hotels to mid-range options. The most convenient ones are located near the temple itself.
Souvenir shops near the Shaolin Temple sell items such as Kung Fu memorabilia, Buddhist statues, traditional Chinese handicrafts, and locally made products like tea and calligraphy materials.
The best options for continuing your trip are by taxi, local buses, or rideshare services. You can also take a bus to Zhengzhou city or other nearby attractions.
