The Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area is located in Dengfeng City, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Covering about 450 square kilometers, its core area includes famous sites like Shaolin Temple, Pagoda Forest, First Ancestor's Hut, and Bodhidharma Cave. As the cradle of Chinese Zen Buddhism and the birthplace of Shaolin martial arts, the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple is hailed as "The First Temple Under Heaven." Songshan Mountain, a UNESCO Global Geopark consisting of Taishi and Shaoshi peaks with its highest peak Liantianfeng at 1,512m, is known as "Central Sacred Mountain" and one of China's Five Great Mountains.
History and Culture
Shaolin Temple was built in 495 AD during Northern Wei to host Indian monk Batuo. In 527 AD, Indian monk Bodhidharma came to Shaolin, meditated facing a wall for nine years, and founded Chinese Zen Buddhism, making Shaolin the Zen ancestral temple.
During Sui-Tang periods, Shaolin gained fame through the legend of "13 Staff Monks Rescuing Tang Emperor," being permitted to establish monk soldiers and gradually developing unique martial arts systems. Ming Dynasty saw Shaolin martial arts' golden age, forming complete theories and techniques.
The 1982 film "Shaolin Temple" brought global fame, attracting martial arts enthusiasts worldwide. In 2007, Shaolin's core buildings, Pagoda Forest and First Ancestor's Hut were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Main Attractions
Shaolin Temple Compound
The temple's core complex includes seven courtyards - Mountain Gate, Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Scripture Hall, Abbot's Room, and Lixue Pavilion. It preserves precious cultural relics like "Empress Wu's Poem Stele" and Ming Dynasty 500 Arhat murals, offering primary insights into Shaolin culture.
Pagoda Forest
A cemetery with 240+ brick-stone pagodas from Tang to Qing dynasties for eminent monks, it's China's largest and most numerous ancient pagoda complex. Diverse styles reflect different periods' architecture and Buddhist art.
First Ancestor's Hut
Built in Song Dynasty (existing main hall from Jin Dynasty) to commemorate Bodhidharma, it houses his statue and exquisite Ming murals. The hall is among Henan's oldest wooden structures.
Bodhidharma Cave
On Wuru Peak behind Shaolin, where Bodhidharma reportedly meditated for nine years. The 7m-deep, 3m-high cave contains his Ming-era statue, while outside lies the "Shadow Stone" with his faint silhouette said to be imprinted during meditation.
Featured Experiences
Shaolin Kung Fu Show
Daily performances showcase traditional skills like staff techniques, fist forms, two-finger zen, and iron shirt qigong by Shaolin monks, allowing close-up appreciation of martial arts.
Zen Meditation
Visitors can join temple-hosted sessions to learn sitting/walking meditation, experience monastic life, and understand Zen culture (some programs require booking).
Martial Arts Classes
Several martial schools offer short-term courses from basics to routines, enabling hands-on learning of Shaolin kung fu at various durations.
Cuisine
Shaolin Vegetarian Cuisine
Unique Buddhist dishes "vegetarian imitating meat" using tofu, mushrooms and vegetables to create meat-like flavors, such as "Shaolin Arhat Feast" and "vegetarian ham," reflecting monastic dietary culture.
Dengfeng Baked Cake
Local snack with crispy exterior and soft interior, traditionally leavened and charcoal-baked in sweet/savory versions - ideal tour energy boosters.
Songshan Wild Yam
Local specialty with delicate texture and rich nutrition, served stewed, stir-fried, or as cakes in nearby restaurants, known for health benefits.
Ticket Information
Full pass 100 yuan (covers main sites); Kung fu show 30 yuan separately. Half-price for seniors over 60/students, free for children under 1.4m. Guided tours available by booking.
Tour Route
Recommended one-day route: Entrance → Temple Compound → Pagoda Forest → Kung Fu Show → First Ancestor's Hut → Bodhidharma Cave → Shaolin Pharmacy → Exit (5-6 hours). Add nearby sites like Songyang Academy or Sanhuangzhai if time permits.
Transportation
- Driving: ~1.5hrs from Zhengzhou via Zhengshaoluo Expressway
- Bus: Direct tourist buses from Zhengzhou Bus Station
- Train: Nearest station Dengfeng (~15km away)
- Airport: Zhengzhou Xinzheng Int'l Airport (~80km)
Must-Visit Attractions
- Shaolin Temple: Explore millennia-old monastery's Zen-martial culture
- Pagoda Forest: Admire China's largest ancient pagoda complex
- Kung Fu Show: Witness authentic Shaolin martial arts
- Bodhidharma Cave: Visit Zen founder's meditation site
- Songshan Hiking: Experience Central Sacred Mountain's grandeur
Tour Suggestions
- Best seasons: spring/autumn (avoid summer heat)
- Wear comfortable sports shoes for hiking
- Check kung fu show schedules in advance
- Observe Buddhist etiquette - no loud noises in temple
- Consider hiring guides for deeper cultural insights
Precautions
- Protect relics - no touching steles/murals
- No smoking/open flames in temple
- Ask permission before photographing monks
- Mountain weather changes - bring rain gear
- Secure belongings in crowded areas