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Entering Shaolin Temple, past the Hall of Heavenly Kings, you'll find the Main Hall. This hall is the temple's core building, also known in ancient times as the "Hall of the Three Buddhas" or the "Glazed Hall." It serves as a crucial venue for Shaolin monks to conduct Buddhist rituals. Flanking the hall are the Bell Tower and Drum Tower.
In front of the bell tower stands a stele inscribed with the title "Huangdi Songshan Shaolin Temple Stele," commonly known as the "Li Shimin Stele." It was erected in the 16th year of Emperor Xuanzong's Kaiyuan reign in the Tang Dynasty. On the front is Li Shimin's message to the Shaolin Temple's abbot and others, commending the Shaolin monks for their military exploits in pacifying Wang Shichong. The back recounts the story of the thirteen monks who rescued the King of Qin, a historical reference for the film "Shaolin Temple."
The original main hall was burned down by warlord Shi Yousan in 1928, and the current structure was rebuilt in 1985. Facing south, the main hall has seven bays and a concrete, wood-like structure. It features a double-eaved hip roof, a dragon-shaped ridge, a central mirror, and four winding corridors, creating a magnificent atmosphere.
The hall houses statues of the Three Buddhas. In the center is Sakyamuni of the Saha world, flanked by the Bodhisattvas Manjushri and Samantabhadra, collectively known as the "Three Holy Ones of the Avatamsaka Sutra." To the left is Medicine Buddha of the Eastern Pure Land of Pure Lapis Lazuli, flanked by the Bodhisattvas Sunlight and Moonlight. To the right is Amitabha Buddha of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, flanked by the Bodhisattvas Guanyin and Mahasthamaprapta. Hanging on the east and west gables are the Eighteen Arhats, while on the back wall of the screen is a sculpture of Guanyin.
The warm temperate monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all seasons, praying, burning incense and worshiping Buddha.
In Buddhist temples, the Mahavira Hall (Daxiong Hall) is the main hall, sometimes called the Great Hall. It is the core building of the entire temple and the place where monks gather for morning and evening practice. It houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Buddha's master. "Daxiong" is a virtue of the Buddha. "Da" means encompassing all things, and "xiong" means subduing all demons. It is a suitable place for outings, worship, and meditation.
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Henan Daxiong Hall is a major Buddhist hall in Zhengzhou, serving as a central worship space and cultural landmark. It reflects traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture and has significant historical and religious importance.
Located in Zhengzhou, Henan province. Visitors can reach it by taxi, ride-hailing apps, or local buses. Walking is possible if staying in nearby accommodations.
Typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Morning visits are recommended for a quieter experience and better lighting for photography.
Entrance is usually free or has a nominal fee. Tickets, if required, can be purchased onsite; online options may be available for special events.
Advance booking is generally not necessary for casual visits. For group tours or special ceremonies, booking a few days in advance is recommended.
1–2 hours are sufficient to explore the hall, the temple grounds, and nearby points of interest.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese; audio guides are not commonly provided.
Start at the main entrance, visit the central hall first, then explore side halls and gardens, ending with a walk around the temple grounds for different perspectives.
Night visits and light shows are generally not available. Special ceremonies or tours may be arranged with prior notice.
It is moderately visited. Weekdays and mornings are less crowded.
Basic facilities include restrooms and benches. Small shops or vendors may offer snacks and souvenirs.
Accessible for elderly and children. Some areas may have stairs or uneven terrain, limiting wheelchair access.
Cash is sufficient for small purchases; mobile payments are often accepted at vendors or ticket counters.
Nearby restaurants offer local cuisine and casual dining. Onsite options may be limited to small snack vendors.
Vegetarian options are widely available. Vegan and halal choices may require inquiry at nearby restaurants.
Several hotels and guesthouses are located nearby, within easy travel distance by taxi or walking.
Small shops sell religious items, postcards, and cultural crafts related to Buddhism and the temple.
Taxi, ride-hailing apps, and local buses provide convenient access to other city attractions or the train station.
