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Mount Song, located in western Henan Province, is one of my country's Five Great Mountains. Its mountains and rivers connect to one another, and the scattered springs, streams flowing into pools, and the towering Luya Waterfall imbue the mountain with a vibrant and captivating charm.
The Shaolin River divides Mount Song into two parts: Mount Taishi and Mount Shaoshi. The Shaolin Temple complex has undoubtedly become the most famous business card of Mount Song, but in addition to it, there are various ancient scenic spots and historical sites in Mount Song, such as the Zhongyue Temple, a symbol of Taoism, and the Songyang Academy, a symbol of Confucianism.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for travel
Shaolin Temple
Shaolin Temple became famous around the beginning of the Tang Dynasty. It is the ancestral home of Chinese Zen Buddhism, a prestigious Buddhist temple, and the birthplace of Shaolin martial arts.
Songyang Academy
Songyang Academy, named for its location on the south side of Mount Song, has historically served as a Buddhist and Taoist site, but its longest and most famous position is as a Confucian holy site. Along with Yingtian Academy in Suizhou, Henan, Yuelu Academy in Hunan, and Bailudong Academy in Jiangxi, Songyang Academy is considered one of the four great academies of the Northern Song Dynasty.
Hooji Temple
"The Beginning of Ancient Chinese Temples." The temple is surrounded on three sides by towering peaks and ancient trees. The valley is serene with meandering streams and winding paths, shrouded in mist. To the north of the temple stands a 15-story pagoda, over 40 meters high, known as the "Fawang Temple Pagoda."
Recommended number of days to visit: 1 day
Songyang Scenic Area Ticket Pass 80 yuan/ticket
Including: Songyang Academy, Laomu Cave, Songyue Temple Pagoda, and Fawang Temple.
Songshan, part of the Five Great Mountains of China, has cultural, religious, and historical significance. It is home to Shaolin Temple and ancient pagodas, representing the birthplace of Chinese martial arts and Buddhist culture.
Located in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, Songshan can be reached by bus or taxi from Zhengzhou city. Within the scenic area, walking, shuttle buses, and cable cars are available.
It is recommended to book 1–2 weeks ahead during peak periods and holidays.
One full day is sufficient for major attractions; 1–2 days are ideal for a complete experience including hiking, temples, and cultural sites.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin; English guides may be arranged upon request.
Begin at the main entrance, visit Shaolin Temple, hike to pagodas and scenic peaks, use cable cars for higher viewpoints, then descend via scenic trails while stopping at key temples and viewpoints.
Night visits are limited; special tours or cultural performances may be available seasonally or by booking in advance.
Peak seasons, especially public holidays, can be crowded. Weekdays and early mornings offer quieter experiences.
Facilities include public toilets, restaurants, snack shops, water stations, and rest areas at major attractions.
Accessible via cable cars and shuttles; some hiking trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Mobile payments and cards are widely accepted; carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases.
Vegetarian options are common, especially in temple areas; vegan and halal options are limited.
Souvenirs include Shaolin martial arts items, Buddhist artifacts, postcards, and local crafts.
Taxis or buses back to Zhengzhou city; from there, high-speed trains or long-distance buses connect to other cities in Henan.
