Shaolin Travel

Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area Travel Guide

Songshan Shaolin is a World Cultural Heritage and National 5A-level Tourist Attraction, integrating the ancestral home of Chan Buddhism, Shaolin Shaolin Kungfu, and geological wonders of Mount Shaoshi. It can be visited thoroughly in one day, with core attractions including temple culture, Shaolin Kungfu performances, and the natural scenery of Sanhuangzhai. This guide covers basic information, attractions, transportation, performances, itineraries, and local cuisine in detail.

Basic Information (April 2026)

Tickets and Reservations

  • Adult Pass: ¥100 (includes Shaolin Temple Principal Hall, Pagoda Forest, Sanhuangzhai, Shaolin Kungfu performances, Chuzu Temple, and Damo Cave; all-in-one ticket with no extra fees)
  • Concession Tickets: Half price ¥50 for students, teachers, and minors under 18; free for seniors over 60, children under 1.4m, active military personnel, disabled persons, journalists, and members of Photographers’ Associations (with valid certificates)
  • Reservation: Must be made 1–7 days in advance
  • Opening Hours: Peak season (March–November) 7:00–17:30 (last entry 16:30); Off-season (December–February) 8:00–17:00

Best Visiting Time

  • Spring and Autumn (April–June, September–November): Comfortable climate, lush vegetation, and the best views of the Sanhuangzhai plank road
  • Summer: Protect from sun exposure; the mountain area is relatively cool
  • Winter: Unique snow scenery, but some plank roads may ice over; non-slip shoes required.

Detailed Core Attractions (Must-visit + Optional)

Shaolin Temple Principal Hall (Must-visit, 1.5 hours)

The ancestral home of Chan Buddhism and the birthplace of Shaolin Shaolin Kungfu, a traditional 7-hall complex:

    • Mountain Gate: Plaque inscribed with “Shaolin Temple” by Emperor Kangxi; stone lions and red walls are photogenic
    • Heavenly King Hall and Mahavira Hall: Core halls of the temple; free incense is available for worship
    • Thousand-Buddha Hall: Murals of 500 Arhats and foot pits left by martial monks practicing standing stances (historical evidence of Shaolin Kungfu)
    • Liuxue Pavilion: Site of the legend of the Second Chan Patriarch “cutting off his arm to seek Dharma”
    • Bell Tower / Drum Tower: A 1,500-year-old ancient ginkgo tree nearby, stunning golden in autumn

Pagoda Forest (Must-visit, 30 minutes)

The largest existing group of ancient pagodas in China, with 248 brick and stone tomb pagodas for eminent monks from the Tang Dynasty to modern times. Pagoda levels and shapes represent merit and status; climbing is prohibited, and silence must be observed.

Sanhuangzhai (Must-visit, 2–3 hours)

 The essence of Mount Shaoshi, featuring Shuce Cliff geological wonders, suspended plank roads, a narrow strip of sky, and a suspension bridge; known as the “Soul of Songshan”.

    • Transportation: Take Shaolin Cableway next to Pagoda Forest (one-way ¥70, round-trip ¥100; one-way ~20 minutes)
    • Route: Cableway upper station → Suspended plank road → Shuce Cliff → Stone Gate (essence section); return the same way for average physical strength; full crossing takes ~3–4 hours

Chuzu Temple and Damo Cave (Optional, 1–1.5 hours)

  • Chuzu Temple: Where Bodhidharma meditated; a Song Dynasty building with exquisite stone carvings
  • Damo Cave: A natural cave on Wuru Peak; 30-minute hike uphill with panoramic views

Erzu Temple (Optional)

Take Songyang Cableway (round-trip ¥50); located on the peak of Mount Shaoshi with a panoramic view of Shaolin.

Transportation Guide (External + Internal)

External Transportation (To Dengfeng / Scenic Area)

High-speed Rail (Most Recommended)

  • High-speed rail to Dengfeng East Station / Dengfeng West Station (opened 2025); 20-minute taxi ride to the scenic area (~¥30)
  • Zhengzhou East / Luoyang Longmen → Dengfeng East: ~20 minutes by high-speed rail, then transfer

(2) Airplane

  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport → Airport Bus (Gate 6, 1st floor of terminal; 4 daily trips, ¥50, 1.5 hours) → Dengfeng Shaolin International Hotel → Taxi to scenic area
  • Or Airport Intercity → Zhengzhou East → High-speed Rail → Dengfeng East
  • Or Luoyang Beijiao Airport → Taxi to Shaolin

(3) Self-driving

  • Depart from Zhengzhou / Luoyang via ZhengshaoLuo Expressway; ~1.5 hours
  • Navigation: Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area Visitor Center Parking Lot (¥10/day, ample parking); arrive before 7:00 to avoid traffic jams

(4) Bus / Direct Shuttle

  • Zhengzhou Central Station / Luoyang Bus Station → Shaolin Temple direct shuttle: ¥30/person, 1.5 hours; reserve via Yuzhouxing Mini Program
  • Dengfeng Urban Area → Scenic Area: Bus No.8 (¥2) direct to entrance; taxi ~¥30

Internal Transportation (Within Scenic Area)

Sightseeing Bus: Visitor Center ↔ Shaolin Kungfu Hall ↔ Shaolin Temple ↔ Pagoda Forest; one-way ¥15, round-trip ¥25 (1.3km from main gate to temple; essential for seniors and children)

  • Cableway:
  • Shaolin Cableway (Sanhuangzhai): one-way ¥70, round-trip ¥100
  • Songyang Cableway (Erzu Temple): round-trip ¥50

Shaolin Kungfu Performance (Must-see, Free with Ticket)

Venue

Performance Hall of Shaolin Shaolin Kungfu Hall (core area of the scenic area, accessible by sightseeing bus)

Latest Schedule (April 2026, Fixed Daily)

  • Morning: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30
  • Afternoon: 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00
  • 30 minutes per show; extra shows may be added on holidays

Performance Content

  • Shaolin boxing, sticks, swords, broadswords, and 18 kinds of weapons
  • Hard Qigong (breaking steel plates with head, throat stabbing with spear, lying on steel forks)
  • Childish skill, animal-style boxing, group Shaolin Kungfu boxing

Viewing Tips

  • Arrive 30 minutes early to get seats; the hall has ~500 seats, standing room only if late
  • No paid VIP seats; front row has the best view
  • No flash photography or loud talking

Night Live-action Performance (Optional)

Zen Shaolin·Music Grand Ceremony

    • Location: Daixian Valley, Dengfeng (7km from Shaolin)
    • Time: 20:00–21:05 (performed March–November, suspended in winter)
    • Ticket Prices: Zone A ¥299, Zone B ¥249, Zone C ¥199

 Highlights: Mountain-water live scene, lighting, Zen music, Shaolin Kungfu, and dance; immersive Chan and Shaolin Kungfu experience

Classic One-day Tour Itinerary (8 Hours, No Detours)

7:30 Enter the scenic area → Take sightseeing bus to Shaolin Kungfu Hall
9:00–9:30 Reserve seats at Shaolin Kungfu Hall
9:30–10:00 Watch the first Shaolin Kungfu performance
10:00–11:30 Visit Shaolin Temple Principal Hall (Mountain Gate → Thousand-Buddha Hall → Liuxue Pavilion)
11:30–12:00 Visit Pagoda Forest
12:00–13:00 Lunch inside / outside the scenic area (vegetarian food / Dengfeng snacks)
13:00–15:30 Take cableway to visit Sanzhai (suspended plank road + Shuce Cliff, round trip of essence section)
15:30–16:30 Optional: Chuzu Temple / Damo Cave
16:30 Exit the scenic area

Food Recommendations (Shaolin + Dengfeng Specialties)

Shaolin Vegetarian Food (Chanju Hotel in Scenic Area)

  • Arhat vegetarian dish, vegetarian ham, vegetarian cakes, Zen tea; ¥30–50 per person
  • Meaning: Purifying the mind, health preservation, and Zen charm

Dengfeng Local Snacks (Outside Scenic Area / Urban Area)

  • Dengfeng Braised Noodles: Lamb braised noodles with chewy noodles and rich soup
  • Sesame Cake with Meat / Tofu Skewers: Crispy sesame cake, ¥5–10
  • Mustard shreds, Shaolin Zen fruits, Songshan wild vegetables

Travel Tips

  1. Etiquette: Address monks as “Master” and greet with palms together; do not touch statues, make noise, or take photos of monks without permission.
  2. Mountaineering: Wear non-slip sports shoes for Sanhuangzhai; no sandals / high heels; the plank road is steep, please pay attention to safety.