Get the key points of Shaolin Temple in 1 minute! A must-read for beginners

One-day tour guide of Shaolin Temple｜The perfect blend of Zen and martial arts✨

Visiting the ancestral home of Zen Buddhism, Shaolin Temple, you can not only feel the solemnity of this ancient temple but also enjoy the stunning Shaolin Kung Fu performances. This guide will help you explore Shaolin Temple!

⚡️Highlights:
- Entry to a 5A scenic spot for just 80 RMB
- Arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds
- Must-see breathtaking Shaolin Kung Fu show
- Beautiful scenery at Sanhuangzhai Scenic Area

📍Scenic Spot Guide:
1️⃣ Martial Arts Performance
Multiple Shaolin Kung Fu shows are held daily at the Martial Arts Hall (free admission). The 10:30 AM show usually has the fewest people. Watching the monks perform various extraordinary skills is truly exhilarating!

2️⃣ Changzhuyuan
The core area of Shaolin Temple, housing the Mahavira Hall and the Sutra Library. It’s recommended to find a guide to hear legendary stories like Bodhidharma facing the wall and the plaque bestowed by King Qin.

3️⃣ Pagoda Forest
The largest existing ancient pagoda cluster, with 231 brick and stone tomb pagodas from various dynasties—truly magnificent. Please keep quiet when taking photos~

4️⃣ Sanhuangzhai
For those with good stamina, definitely visit (2.5 km from Shaolin Temple). The view from the top is spectacular, and the round trip takes about 3 hours.

5️⃣ Tour Routes

One-day tour: First watch the performance at the Shaolin Martial Arts Hall, then walk about 10 minutes to the main Shaolin Temple, visiting the Stele Forest, Mahavira Hall, etc.; next head to the Pagoda Forest on the west side; if you have the energy, take the cable car up to Sanhuangzhai, and finally exit from another gate.

Two-day tour: On the first day, visit the main Shaolin Temple, Pagoda Forest, and watch the martial arts show; on the second day, choose to hike to Bodhidharma Cave or the Second Patriarch’s Hermitage to experience Zen meditation or martial arts classes.

6️⃣ Transportation Guide

External transport: You can first arrive at Zhengzhou or Luoyang. Zhengzhou Central Station and high-speed rail hubs have direct buses to Dengfeng city, as well as direct Shaolin shuttle buses; Luoyang Bus Station offers a special tourist line to Shaolin Temple.

Within the scenic area: Electric carts cost 15 RMB one way or 25 RMB round trip, running from the mountain gate to the Pagoda Forest; Songyang Cableway round trip is 50 RMB, going to the Second Patriarch’s Hermitage; Shaolin Cableway round trip is 100 RMB, reaching Sanhuangzhai.

💰Ticket Tips:
- Admission 80 RMB per person, half price for those over 60
- Scenic area sightseeing bus 25 RMB one way
- Bodhidharma Cave and First Patriarch’s Hermitage require separate tickets

🍜 Food Recommendations:
Vegetarian buffet inside the temple 38 RMB per person (11:00-14:00)
Outside the temple, many farmhouses offer authentic Dengfeng cuisine for about 50 RMB per person

⚠️Notes:
- Dress appropriately, avoid short skirts and shorts
- The mountain path at Sanhuangzhai is steep; wear non-slip shoes
- Reserve seats early for the Kung Fu show
- Please do not make loud noises inside the scenic area