Shaolin Temple
Shaolin Temple is china's famous temple and Chan sect. It is located at the foot of Shaoshi Mountain and got its name from its location. Shaolin Temple has a reputation for its Zen Buddhism and Shaolin Kongfu, the main attraction of Shaolin Temple. Learning Chinese Kungfu in Shaolin Temple is regarded as one of the Top 10 Things to Do in China.
The History of Shaolin Temple
Shaolin Temple was built for Indian monk Patuo in 495, or 19 of the Yaihe year in the Northern Wei Dynasty by the Xiaowen Emperor. It was built on the hills. In the period of its great prosperity, seven buildings lined the central line of the temple, but in the war among warlords in the early 20th century, some main buildings were burnt by Shisanyou, including the Hall of Heavenly King, Abbot's room and the Hall for preaching the Buddhist doctrines and the Bell Tower and many precious Buddhist sutras pugilism charts were destroyed as well. In the late 20th century, Shaolin Temple was rebuilt to an old system.
Attractions in Shaolin
The stone tablets in Shaolin Temple are well known, which are mainly in the Ciyun Hall, or the Tablet Passage. About 120 pieces of handwriting works are stored here, dating from the Northern Qi Dynasty. Many famous masters, such as Caijing, Mipei, Zhao Meng Fu and Dong Qichang, ever left their handwriting here.
Tower Forest is where the monks were buried. The one in Shaolin Temple is the biggest in China, 232 altogether. It is of great value in the study of Buddhism scriptures, buildings and Zen Buddhism.
Besides, some other famous places include the Buddhist Convent, built in memory of Damo Buddhist meditating facing the wall; Damo Cave and the Sweet Dew Tower, where Batuo, the founder for the Shaolin Temple, translated the sutras.
In addition to the visit to the historic buildings, Shaolin would give the performance of Shaolin kongfu, which will broaden your outlook and let you have a taste of the charm of Shaolin martial arts.
Chinese Kungfu
Chinese is a general designation of Chinese Wushu and Gongfu, a culture developed from the long practice in life and the knowledge of the body. It's a traditional precious heritage and at the same time a special sport of great value.
There are two kinds of Chinese kung fu: external and internal. It is said that in external kungfu, you exercise your tendons, bones, and skin; in internal kung fu, you train your spirit, your qi (vitality), and your mind.
With China's reform, Chinese Gongfu has spread over the world. To promote its development worldwide, the Olympic Committee has included Chinese Wushu in the events of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
How to Get There?
Take buses for Dengfeng at the city couch bus station opposite Zhengzhou Railway station, and then take a bus in Dengfeng city for the Shaolin temple, Zhongyue Temple, the observatory and other scenery spots. It takes about 3 hours from Dengfeng to Shaolin Temple. The coach buses from Luoyang to Dengfeng will pas the Shaolin road junction, which is only 2km from Shaolin Temple.
Ticket Price
- CNY 100 for adults.
- CNY 50 for students with a student identity card.
Opening Hours
08:00 - 19:00
More Tips
- There are special tourist buses across from the Zhengzhou Railway Station that go to Dengfeng City.
- There are buses going to Dengfeng City from all the bus stations in Zhengzhou.
- Suggested visit time: One day
- Visitors can learn Shaolin Kungfu in Shaolin Temple.