Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area Zhengzhou
When the first morning light brushes the ridges of Songshan’s Shaoshi Peak and the temple bell of Shaolin rings through the incense-tinged mist, you awaken to a monastery that has carried 1,500 years of Zen and martial wisdom. As both the cradle of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and the birthplace of Shaolin martial arts, every brick and beam here embodies the Eastern philosophy of “unity of meditation and martial practice.” Walk the seven successive courtyards, trace the weathered Tang inscriptions, and watch monks move with the flowing precision of practiced forms—this is a cultural awakening across time.
1. The Millennial Breath of Chan’s Ancestral Seat
“All kung fu under heaven comes from Shaolin; Shaolin kung fu is the best under heaven”—this saying captures Shaolin Temple’s dual spirit: both a founding center of Chan Buddhism and a sacred site for Chinese martial arts. The temple was established in 495 CE by imperial order to welcome the Indian monk Batuo, and later rose to fame when Bodhidharma’s nine years of wall-gazing founded Chan.
Historical highlights:
– Golden age: Tales such as the Tang-era “thirteen armed monks” saving the king elevated Shaolin martial arts to imperial protective status.
– Cultural landmark: In 2010 the Songshan cultural landscape—including Shaolin—was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as core to the “Center of Heaven and Earth” architectural group.
– Contemporary significance: The Pagoda Forest contains 248 ancient tomb pagodas—China’s largest such collection—an open-air museum of Buddhist funerary architecture.
2. Decoding the Temple’s Architecture and Art
2.1 Chongzhuyuan (Resident Courtyard): A Time Corridor of Seven Courtyards
The 240-meter-deep complex follows a strict central axis, mirroring the Chan value of balance:
– Mountain Gate: beneath an imperial Yongzheng inscription reading “Shaolin Temple,” millennia-old cypress trees have witnessed countless imperial visits.
– Mahavira Hall: Ming-era murals such as “Five Hundred Arhats Paying Homage to Bilu” still exude the ink-line vitality of the Buddhist realm.
– Stele Forest: calligraphic treasures carved by masters like Su Shi and Mi Fu adorn over 40 Tang stelae.
2.2 Pagoda Forest: A Silent Epic of Practice
Cross paths shaded by pines to discover 248 brick-and-stone pagodas from Tang to Qing dynasties rising like a three-dimensional chronicle. Note:
– The number of storeys often reflected a monk’s rank in life (seven storeys signifying the highest status).
– The Ming-era “Master Xiaoshan’s Pagoda” features a lotus and sumeru base considered a pinnacle of stone-carving craft.
2.3 Chuzu An (First Ancestor Shrine): A Wooden Song Dynasty Relic
This side hall, built to honor Bodhidharma, holds three national treasures:
– Twelve eave-pillars with guardian-carved figures still retain their Northern Song appearance.
– The “figure-eight” dougong bracket system in the main hall impresses structural historians.
– Six ancient cypresses planted by the Sixth Patriarch in front of the hall are over a thousand years old.
3. A Practical Guide to an Immersive Zen–Martial Experience
3.1 Morning and Evening Rituals (Best Times to Join)
– 05:30 Morning bell: Join the monks’ dawn chanting and hear the halo of bell and drum. This is the most atmospheric time for meditation and photography.
– 16:30 Martial demonstration: Watch real kung fu at Chuipu Hall—forms like Seven-Star Fist and Iron Shirt are performed (winter shows move to 14:30).
3.2 Hands-on Practice and Retreat Options
– Zen tea ceremony: Ciyun Hall offers bookable tea ceremony sessions; Abbot Shi Yongxin has hosted dignitaries here.
– Sutra-copying calm: The Scripture Library offers bilingual Heart Sutra calligraphy practice; reserve at least one day in advance.
4. Practical Tips (2024 Update)
Transport
– High-speed rail: Take the “Shaolin Direct” tourist shuttle from Zhengzhou East station—about 2 hours.
– Driving: Navigate to “Shaolin Temple Parking”; EV charging stations are available.
Tickets and Services
– Full ticket: 80 RMB (includes Pagoda Forest and Chuzu An); martial arts performance ticket extra 30 RMB.
– English audio guide: rentable at the park entrance (deposit 200 RMB).
Etiquette
– Avoid stepping on thresholds (symbolically the Buddha’s shoulders).
– Maintain a 5-meter distance when photographing monks.
– Bring a light jacket—mountain temperatures are typically 6–8°C cooler than nearby cities.
Secret spots
– “Living Foot” stone by Shaoxi River: fossilized footprints said to be left by Jin-dynasty monks training here.
– Ganlu Terrace sunset: historically reputed as the site of a grand assembly by Empress Wu Zetian—now a prime photography spot.
5. Expand Your Cultural Route
Combine Shaolin with nearby sites for a classic day:
– Morning: Shaolin Temple + Pagoda Forest (about 3 hours).
– Lunch: Vegetarian set at Shifang Chan Courtyard—try the Shaolin Eight-Treasure Crisp.
– Afternoon: Dengfeng Observatory (one of the world’s earliest astronomical buildings) + Songyang Academy (one of the four great Song academies).
Conclusion
At Shaolin you touch more than weathered stelae—you encounter a river of accumulated wisdom. When the evening drum sounds and a monk’s silhouette merges with falling ginkgo leaves, you may realize that true kung fu is knowing how to let the heart feel at home. This Zen–martial sanctuary awaits to leave an indelible cultural mark on your China journey.
Note: Information is based on field research as of March 2024. Ticket prices and schedules may change—please check the official Songshan Shaolin Temple website before travel.
