The Shaolin Monastery or Shaolin Temple is a Chan Buddhist temple at Song Shan near Zhengzhou City Henan Province in Dengfeng, China. It is led by Venerable abbot Shi Yongxin. Founded in the 5th century, the monastery is long famous for its association with Chinese martial arts and particularly with Shaolin Kung Fu, and it is the Mahayana Buddhist monastery perhaps best known to the Western world. The Shaolin Monastery and its famed Pagoda Forest were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 as part of the “Historic Monuments of Dengfeng.”
Shaolin Monastery is situated at Shaoshi Mountain in the west of Songshan Mountain ranges, in Dengfeng City, Henan Province. Against the backdrop of Wuru Peak of Shaoshi Mountain, it is surrounded with forests and hills as its natural defense.
The “Shao” in “Shaolinsi” refers to “Shaoshi Mountain”; “lin” means “forest” and “si” means “temple”. The name of Shaolin Temple literally means “temple in the woods of Shaoshi Mountain”.
Transportation:
(1). From Zhengzhou to Shaolin Monastery: Take the Zhengshao highway or Yu 03.
(2). From Luoyang to Shaolin Monastery: Take the Shaoluo highway or State Road 207.
(3). From Xuchang to Shaolin Monastery: Take Yu 31 to Ludianzhen(Dengfeng) first, then transfer to Yu 03.
Openning Hours:
8:00 – 17:00
Accommodations:
It is only a one day’s trip for Shaolin Monastery and you don’t need to stay here for a night. The hotels in Dengfeng city is a better choice. Dengfeng is very close to Shaolin Monastery (only about 20 minutes’ ride) and the cost here is much lower.
Admission Fee:
RMB 100 for one person. Free for kids shorter than 1.3 m. 50% off for aged (>70). 50% off for students (need to show a student ID).
Tips:
(1). The most exciting thing here is to see the Shaolin kungfu show (about 30 minutes). The show is hold in the Shaolin Yanwuting.(fees already paid in your 100 rmb ticket)
(2). Always remember to step over the thresholds in Shaolin Monastery. Don’t step on the thresholds. There are some rules here for the thresholds.
(3). There is a gingkgo tree in Shaolin Monastery, which is 1500 years old. Don’t take pictures with this tree if you are still single.
(4). When you are done with the kungfu show, some people will say:”Come here for a free gift with your Shaolin Monastery ticket!” Just ignore this. Remember “No free lunch in the world.”