Shaolin Temple (Shaolin Monastery)

Overview

Shaolin Temple, also known as Shaolin Monastery, is the principal Buddhist monastery in China. It is renowned for its association with the martial art of Kung Fu and its rich history dating back to the 5th century.

Shaolin Temple is significant for its role in the development of Chinese Buddhism and martial arts. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key cultural and historical landmark.

Historical Cultural Religious

Location

Address

Dengfeng Blvd., Dengfeng, Henan

Neighborhood: Songshan Mountain

Coordinates

34.479440, 112.906390

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

¥100

Children

¥50

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, cooler weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1.5 hours

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild

• cherry blossoms
• garden tours

summer

hot

• extended hours

autumn

cool

• fall colors

winter

cold

• holiday lights

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book ahead
Bring ID
Check weather

What to Bring

essential

ID water tickets

seasonal

jacket umbrella

not allowed

large bags drones weapons

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

• stairs
• uneven surfaces

Medical facilities: first aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Typical Costs

entry ¥100

parking ¥20

food ¥50-100

souvenirs ¥20-100

Dress Code

casual, comfortable shoes, modest clothing, walking shoes, shorts, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• 2 weeks
• official website
• 48 hours
• available

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Shaolin Temple Official App

Size: 100 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets, Historical information

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe, Main hall

Charging Stations: Rest areas, Cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport

Distance: 75 km

Travel Time: 1.5 hours

taxi

¥200 1.5 hours

public_transport

¥50 2 hours

From City Center

Distance: 15 km

train

¥15 20 min

bus

¥10 30 min

taxi

¥50 25 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historical importance, cultural significance

Historical Significance: Important events happened here, birthplace of Kung Fu

Insider Tips

Free entry early morning for monks' chanting
Best food at the vegetarian restaurant inside the temple

Local Recommendations

• Try local tea
• Ask for guide Li

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)

thank_you 谢谢 (Xièxie)

where_is 哪里 (Nǎlǐ)

how_much 多少钱 (Duōshǎo qián)

beautiful 漂亮 (Piàoliang)

ticket 门票 (Méntiào)

Guide Languages: Chinese, English, Japanese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle

Result: Great shot of the entrance

#shaolintemple #kungfu #buddhism

Pagoda Forest

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Wide angle

Result: Beautiful view of the pagodas

#shaolintemple #pagodas #history

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, gardens

prohibited areas exhibitions, indoor spaces

flash photography not allowed

commercial photography permit needed

drone policy prohibited

tripod policy restricted

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Songshan Mountain

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Mountain

Dengfeng Museum

Distance: 2km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Museum

Shaolin Temple Museum

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min