Songshan Mountain and Shaolin Temple, Dengfeng

Songshan Mountain and Shaolin Temple, Dengfeng

(登封市嵩山少林景区 dēng fēng sōng shān shào lín jǐng qū)

Shaolin Temple is birthplace of Chinese Wushu, or martial arts. [Photo provided to dahe.cn]

With a history of more than 1,500 years, Shaolin Temple, located at the foot of Songshan Mountain, Dengfeng, Central China's Henan province, appears often in movies and fictionand is the country's first professional institution for learning martial arts. Founded in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), Shaolin Temple covers an area of about 36,000 square meters and boasts a number of ancient building complexes. It is honored as a holy land integrating Zen ideas and martial arts. Zen, the doctrine which every monk learning the Shaolin martial art should observe, refers to a frame of mind which gets rid of greed, anger and confusion and helps oneself reach inner peace as to become more powerful and invincible.

Formed 3.5 billion years ago, Songshan Mountain is a living history book that records the crustal movement, having gone through five geological periods. Liantian Peak, the summit of the mountain, towers 1,512 meters. With unique topography and landforms, Songshan Mountain has contributed to various peaks and valleys in different shapes, all of which make for tri-dimensional, multi-layered and multifunctional amazing views.

Scenic Spot Level: AAAAA

Ideal Sightseeing Season: Late March to early November

Opening Hours: 7:00 -- 18:00

Ticket Price: 80 yuan ($11.60)

Free Tickets:

① Six-year-old children or younger and children with heights below 1.2 meters;

② Active servicemen, disabled persons, disabled revolutionary servicemen, journalists and those aged 70 or above with a valid certificate.

Half Price:

① Minors between the ages of 6 and 18;

② The elderly between the ages of 60 and 69;

③ Full-time university bachelor or junior degrees with a registered student ID card.

Address: Dengfeng city, Henan province

Website: http://www.songshancn.com/main.php(Chinese)

http://www.songshancn.com/worldwide/en/(English)

Online Booking: http://www.songshancn.com/shop.php?cid=1

Note:

1. Martial arts performances are free for visitors with tickets.

2. Visitors should obey Buddhism etiquette.

3. Don't take too many joss sticks and candles, asthree are enough.

Occupying an area of more than 14,000 square meters, the Pagoda Forest, tombs for Buddhists, lies in the west of Shaolin Temple, and is the largest pagoda building group in size and number in China. [Photo provided to dahe.cn]