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The Henan Songshan Shaolin Temple Martial Arts Hall is located 500 meters east of the thousand-year-old Songshan Shaolin Temple. It is nestled against the Five Ru Peaks to the north and borders the Shaoxi River to the south. It is 87 kilometers east of the provincial capital, Zhengzhou, and 74 kilometers west of Luoyang, the ancient capital of nine dynasties. National Highway 207 passes 600 meters east of the hall. Surrounding the hall are numerous peaks, jagged rocks, flowing streams, and towering ancient trees.
Spanning 50,000 square meters and boasting a 20,000 square meter building area, the Shaolin Temple boasts a grand scale, majestic grandeur, and unique style. It features a modern performance hall with over 560 seats; two 400 square meter east and west practice rooms; a 7,000 square meter outdoor performance venue, the Shaolin Temple Martial Arts Arena, with seating for over 5,000; and a 600 square meter outdoor traditional practice area. The Shaolin Wushu Hotel, a comprehensive service area, is the only star-rated foreign-friendly hotel in the Shaolin Temple scenic area, integrating business, shopping, recreation, and accommodation. With its first-class teaching facilities and superior environment, it is a leading center for martial arts training and tourism in my country.
temperate monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for about 1 hour
free
Summer 9:30-16:00
Winter 10:30-17:00
The Shaolin Temple is historically significant as the birthplace of Chan Buddhism (Zen) and the origin of Chinese martial arts, particularly Shaolin Kung Fu. Established in the 5th century, it became renowned for its monks’ mastery of martial arts, and remains an iconic symbol of Chinese culture and martial tradition.
The Shaolin Temple Martial Arts Hall is located in Dengfeng, Henan, about 60 kilometers from Zhengzhou. You can reach the site by taxi, private car, or take a bus from Zhengzhou. There is no direct metro, but buses from Zhengzhou to Dengfeng are frequent.
The Shaolin Temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months, avoiding the hot summer and cold winter. Early mornings and weekdays tend to be less crowded.
The entrance fee to the Shaolin Temple is approximately 100 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the temple's ticket counter or online through various Chinese tourism websites.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons (holidays, weekends). Booking 1-2 days before your visit is ideal to ensure availability.
You should allocate around 2-3 hours to fully explore the Shaolin Temple and its surrounding areas, including the Martial Arts Hall, Pagoda Forest, and a possible martial arts demonstration.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and in some cases, English-speaking guides can be arranged. Audio guides are typically available in Mandarin and sometimes in English. It’s best to book ahead for an English-speaking guide.
Start by visiting the main temple hall to learn about the temple’s history. Then, explore the Martial Arts Hall for demonstrations, followed by the Pagoda Forest. If time allows, visit the Chan Meditation Hall and surrounding areas.
Night visits are not generally available, but there may be special evening performances or light shows during festivals or holidays. Check the temple's schedule for any special events.
The temple is quite crowded during public holidays and weekends. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, outside of the peak summer months.
There are clean toilets and rest areas available at the temple. Food and water can be purchased at stalls or restaurants near the entrance. Several souvenir shops sell Shaolin-themed products, including martial arts gear.
The temple has some areas that may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to stairs and uneven terrain. However, children and elderly visitors can still enjoy the main halls and observe martial arts performances. Wheelchairs may be available upon request.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Credit cards are also accepted at major shops and restaurants. It’s still a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Inside the temple complex, there are several simple food stalls and restaurants offering local Chinese dishes. For more variety, you can find restaurants and cafes in the nearby town of Dengfeng.
Vegetarian options are available inside the temple as part of the local Buddhist culture. Vegan and halal options may be harder to find, but there are some restaurants outside the temple that offer such choices.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels near the Shaolin Temple, including the Shaolin Temple Hotel and the Dengfeng Shaolin Kung Fu Hotel. For more upscale accommodations, options are available in Zhengzhou, about 1 hour away by car.
There are souvenir shops within the temple offering martial arts-related items like Kung Fu uniforms, weapons, books, and traditional crafts. You can also find Shaolin-themed clothing and memorabilia.
After visiting the Shaolin Temple, taxis or rideshare services are the best way to continue your trip to other attractions. You can also take buses back to Zhengzhou for more sightseeing or to catch your train or flight.
