Dharma Academy

Introducing DAMO Academy

The Shaolin Temple's Dharma Hall is where Bodhidharma practiced Zen and martial arts. Located between Mount Taishi and Mount Shaoshi, across a river from the Shaolin Temple, known as "the world's most famous temple," the Dharma Hall boasts beautiful scenery and an elegant environment. The Hall has always been committed to inheriting the traditional Shaolin culture and upholding the spirit of Zen and martial arts.

Historical records indicate that the Shaolin Temple's Dharma Hall has been steeped in a rich tradition of Chan and martial arts since ancient times. Therefore, promoting Bodhidharma culture and inheriting its fine traditions is the unshirkable responsibility of the monks and lay disciples of the Shaolin Temple Dharma Hall. The Shaolin Temple Dharma Hall aims to explore, collect, organize, and disseminate Shaolin traditional martial arts and Shaolin's signature kung fu, cultivating talented individuals with both Chan and martial arts skills to further promote the Chan and martial arts cultural philosophies of Patriarch Bodhidharma.

Climate and best time to travel

temperate monsoon climate;

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to visit for about 1 hour

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

9:00~17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Dharma Academy

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Dharma Academy is tied to the legacy of the Indian monk Bodhidharma (达摩) who is traditionally said to have meditated at the Shaolin Temple area on Mount Song (嵩山) and brought Chan (Zen) Buddhism to China.
It seeks to inherit the dual traditions of Chan (禅)-Buddhist practice and Shaolin martial arts—thus combining spiritual cultivation and martial discipline.
Located in the Dengfeng/­Zhengzhou region of Henan, this site lies at the heart of one of China’s most significant Buddhist-martial cultural landscapes.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Location: Dengfeng City (登封市), under the jurisdiction of Zhengzhou (郑州), Henan Province, China, at or near the Shaolin Temple / Songshan (嵩山) scenic region.
Transportation:

• From Zhengzhou: Take a bus or coach to Dengfeng, then local transport or taxi to the Shaolin Temple area, and walk or take internal shuttle to the academy site.
• From Luoyang: Also possible, then proceed to Dengfeng / Shaolin Temple area.
• Within the site: Walking is required; terrain may include some steps or uphill path (especially if visiting caves or hillside zones like Bodhidharma Cave).

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Opening hours: The broader site (Shaolin Temple area which includes the academy) typically opens around 08:00 and closes around 17:00.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are generally favourable (milder weather) for walking around the mountaintop/temple region. Also early morning to avoid crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The academy itself may be included in the broader scenic complex ticket. For example, for the Bodhidharma-Damo Cave (达摩洞) the ticket is included or part of the Shaolin Temple scenic ticket.
As with major tourist sites in China, tickets can be bought onsite or via online travel platforms (Trip.com etc.). Checking the official website or local travel agencies is recommended.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

If travelling in peak holiday periods or with a large group, booking online ahead (a few days) is advisable. For normal visits on weekdays, online booking may not be strictly required but still a good idea.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Plan for about 1-2 hours for the academy area itself (depending on whether you watch a demonstration or training). For a fuller visit including the surrounding Shaolin Temple, Bodhidharma Cave, and scenic mounts, allow half a day or more (3-4 hours or more).

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The main academy building or training hall, illustrating the lineage of Bodhidharma.

• Martial arts/training demonstration area: see Shaolin-style kung fu practice.

• The surrounding museum or exhibits about Chan Buddhism and martial arts heritage.

• Nearby cave or shrine associated with Bodhidharma or early Zen practice (e.g., Bodhidharma Cave).

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

There is no clear publicly available information specifying guided tours or audio guides in multiple languages for the academy site. For international visitors, it may be good to hire a local guide or join a tour if you need English commentary.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The training hall with martial-arts practitioners in action (for dynamic photography).

• The mountaintop or hillside background of Mount Song (嵩山) with temple/forest backdrop.

• The Bodhidharma Cave entrance (if accessible) and the surrounding scenic forest/rocks for atmospheric shots.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the main gate of the Shaolin Temple / Dharma Academy zone → visit the academy/training hall → see exhibition of Bodhidharma legacy → watch or observe martial-arts training/demo → walk out to the surrounding temple/cave region (e.g., Bodhidharma Cave) → exit via temple path.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There is no clear information available about night-visits, light shows or special tours specifically at the academy. Visits appear to be daytime only.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The surrounding Shaolin Temple area can be busy, especially on holidays and weekends. For fewer crowds, visit early in the morning or on a weekday.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic visitor facilities (toilets, small shops, food vendors) are available in the broader temple/scenic zone. The academy building might have limited food/retail services—so bring water/snacks if needed.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Walking required: there may be steps, slopes or hillside paths. Elderly or persons with mobility issues should take care, or stay to the flatter academy/training hall area and avoid steep paths. Children can visit but under supervision in training/demo zones.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

In China’s major tourist sites, mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and bank cards are widely accepted for tickets, shops, food. However it’s wise to carry some cash as backup for small vendors.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

In the Dengfeng / Shaolin Temple area there are vegetarian Buddhist-style restaurants (especially near the temple) and local eateries in the town of Dengfeng. For the academy zone specifically, you may need to step out to the temple area for more options.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options? Yes — vegetarian cuisine is available at the Shaolin Temple (Buddhist vegetarian “su zhai” 素斋). Halal specific options may be more limited — check locally or ask your hotel/tour guide.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

In Dengfeng (登封) there are guesthouses, small hotels and temple-guesthouse style accommodation. Staying near the Shaolin Temple area is convenient for early morning visits to the academy.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Shaolin Temple itself (少林寺) — the major temple and martial-arts site.

• Bodhidharma Cave (达摩洞) – accessible from the same area.

• Exploring Mt. Song (嵩山) scenic area and other temples or forest paths around it.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes — in the temple/scenic area there are shops selling Shaolin-themed souvenirs: kung-fu gear, small statues, calligraphy, Buddhist items, local handicrafts. For the academy zone, look for books and martial-arts memorabilia.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After your visit you can continue by bus or taxi back to Dengfeng city or on to Zhengzhou or Luoyang. If you have a car, you can drive to next scenic spots in the Songshan / Zhongyue region. Public transport: from Dengfeng bus station there are coaches to Zhengzhou; from Zhengzhou city you can use high-speed rail or bus to your next destination.