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Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Songshan Scenic Area

Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area

7.8
4.5/5
17.7k reviews

It is said that "all martial arts originate fromShaolinNot only Chinese people who grew up deeply influenced by Shaolin kung fu, but also many international friends visiting Henan will go to see Shaolin temple. It is not only a sacred place for martial arts worldwide, but also the ancestral temple of Zen Buddhism. Striking some classic martial arts poses for photos at Shaolin temple makes the swords and shadows of the martial world seem to flash before your eyes. AboutShaolin TempleTwo keywords 1. The founder of Zen Buddhism The Shaolin Temple is a sacred Buddhist site in China and the ancestral temple of Chan Buddhism. In 527 AD, the renowned Indian monk Bodhidharma (known as the founder of Zen) traveled by sea to southern China, crossed the Yangtze River northward into the Central Plains, and arrived at Shaolin. He meditated and taught dharma in the mountains behind the Shaolin Temple, first advocating the Chan teaching of "mind-to-mind transmission," thereby establishing the temple's revered status as the ancestral home of Chan Buddhism. Nowadays, many visitors come to Shaolin Temple to pray for blessings and peace. The origin of martial arts After the "Thirteen monks with staffs rescued Li Shimin" incident in the early Tang Dynasty, Shaolin Temple became renowned worldwide for its exquisite "Shaolin Kung Fu," and since thenShaolinMonks practicing martial arts has become a common tradition passed down through generations. The Shaolin Temple is the birthplace of Shaolin kung fu, andShaolinThe pai school is a martial arts sect with a wide influence, long history, and numerous boxing styles in the wulin (martial arts world). Since ancient times, it has been regarded as "the foremost martial arts sect in the world" and the supreme authority of martial arts by Chinese people. The Shaolin Temple scenic area - pagoda forest is the burial ground of Shaolin Temple's successive abbots, serene and solemn. You might even catch glimpses of the movie "Shaolin Temple" here. Travel tips What to do? How long to stay? Recommended self-guided tour activities: Half-day tour:Shaolin Temple- Pagoda forest - Chuzu nunnery - Damo cave - Songshan Shaolin scenic area -Songshan Shaolin scenic area - Shaolin temple martial arts hallPerformance The Shaolin Temple complex mainly consists of three parts: the Changzhu Yuan Pagoda Forest, the Chuzu Nunnery, and the Songshan Shaolin attraction - Damo Cave. Most visitors traveling to Shaolin Temple from Luoyang or Zhengzhou choose this route. The layout of Shaolin Temple is typical of Han Chinese Buddhist temples, featuring central axis symmetry. After entering the mountain gate, you can walk straight ahead. The temple is not large, and the visit can be completed within an hour. The Shaolin Temple scenic area - pagoda forest is located approx. 400 m west of Shaolin Temple, serving as the burial ground for the temple's eminent monks throughout history. As the Buddhist saying goes: "Saving one life is better than building a seven-story pagoda." Here, you can learn about the life stories of Shaolin Temple's eminent monks across different dynasties. The Chuzu Temple and Songshan Shaolin attraction - Damo Cave are also near the Shaolin Temple, accessible by walking. The Chuzu Temple was built by people of the Song Dynasty to commemorate Bodhidharma's wall-gazing meditation, while the Songshan Shaolin attraction - Damo Cave is the very place where Patriarch Bodhidharma meditated facing a wall for nine years. 1-day tour:Shaolin Temple-Tallinn-Sanhuangzhai In the morning, follow the half-day tour itinerary to visit Shaolin Temple first, then proceed to the Shaolin Temple attraction - Pagoda Forest. The location is approx. 5 min walking distance from the Shaolin Temple attraction - Pagoda Forest.Shaolin cablewayAfter taking the cable car to Sanhuangzhai station, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the destination on foot.Sanhuangzhai scenic areaPortal. ActivitiesSanhuangzhai scenic areaIt takes at least 3-4 hours to explore the attraction, which features many unique geological views. The Sanhuangzhai cliffside plank walk is a must-see. Walking along the cliffside path with towering cliffs on one side and a sheer drop on the other is both a physical and mental challenge. 2-day tour:Shaolin Temple- Songyang scenic area - Zhongyue scenic area Shaolin Temple andSongyang academy, Mount SongLocated in Dengfeng, visitors with ample time can purchase a combo ticket for all three sites and explore them over two days. On the first day, visitShaolin scenic areaIn the evening, watch the live performance of "Zen Shaolin Music Ceremony", and the next day, head to Songyang, which is far from downtown Dengfeng.Zhongyue scenic area. Where can I see authentic Shaolin kung fu? Nowadays, it is difficult for ordinary visitors to witness the martial arts training of Shaolin monks at Shaolin temple. However, visitors can use the Shaolin temple combo ticket to watch the Shaolin kung fu performance at the Shaolin martial arts hall in Songshan Shaolin scenic area, approx. 700 m east of Shaolin temple. Performance time: The performance time at Songshan Shaolin scenic area - Shaolin temple martial arts hall is subject to the on-site announcement. Each performance lasts 30 minutes. The cost is included in the admission ticket. Where is a good place to stay?There are some farmhouse inns and guesthouses around Shaolin Temple, but the conditions are average. If you're not in a hurry, it's not recommended to stay here. If you need to stay overnight, Dengfeng city center is a good choice, as it offers convenient access to the three major attractions of Songshan Mountain. Shaolin TempleIs vegetarian food available?Since you're visiting Shaolin Temple, don't miss the vegetarian cuisine. The vegetarian restaurant inside Shaolin Temple is called "Huanxidi" and is worth trying. Shaolin story The most stubborn holdout in history: When it comes to stubborn holdouts, they didn't just appear in modern times. As early as the Tang dynasty, the Shaolin Temple emerged as such a case. Emperor Li Yuan of Tang issued an order for its demolition but failed. When Li Shimin came to power, not only was the Shaolin Temple spared from punishment, but it also received generous rewards. Compared to today's holdouts, the Shaolin Temple can be called the most legendary stubborn holdout in history. The origin of the matter was an imperial edict issued by Li Yuan, ordering the demolition of all temples within Henan province, including the Shaolin Temple. After receiving the imperial decree, hundreds of monks at Shaolin Temple refused to comply, standing united and resolute in collective defiance. Li Yuan had no choice, as the Tang dynasty was newly established and could not afford to gain a reputation for cruelty. He tacitly allowed the temple's "retention" but revoked the 4,000 acres of temple land previously granted by the Prince of Qin. Later, when Li Shimin became emperor, he granted Shaolin Temple an additional 4,000 mu of land, permitted the temple to train monk soldiers, lift the prohibition against killing, and consume alcohol and meat. Inside the temple, there is a stele titled "Emperor Taizong of Tang's decree to the Shaolin Temple abbot," which records this historical event. You may want to see it when visiting the Shaolin Temple.

Dengfeng · 27.8km from Gongyi
Imperial Mausoleum of the Northern Song Dynasty

Imperial Mausoleum of the Northern Song Dynasty

3.6
4.6/5
179 reviews

The Imperial Mausoleum of the Northern Song Dynasty, located in Gongyi City, Zhengzhou City, was built in the sixth year of Gande, Emperor Taizu of Song Dynasty (AD 968), and has a history of more than a thousand years. There were a total of nine emperors in the Northern Song Dynasty. Except for the two emperors Huizong and Qinzong who were captured by Jin soldiers and died in Wuguocheng, the other seven emperors and Zhao Hongyin (the father of Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty) were all buried in Gongyi territory. The mausoleum is commonly known as the "Seven Emperors and Eight Mausoleums". In addition to the emperor's mausoleum, there are nearly 1,000 mausoleums here, including concubines, Gao Huaide, Kou Zhun, Bao Zheng, Yang Liulang, Zhao Pu and other heroic generals. Due to the war, most of the ground buildings in the cemeteries of the imperial mausoleums of the Northern Song Dynasty have been destroyed. The imperial mausoleums of the Northern Song Dynasty are mainly divided into four areas: Xicun Mausoleum, Caizhuang Mausoleum, County Mausoleum, and Baling Mausoleum. The Xicun Mausoleum includes Yong'an Mausoleum, Yongchang Mausoleum, Yongxi Mausoleum, etc.; Qi Tomb, Bao Zheng Tomb, Kou Zhun Tomb, etc.; Yongzhao Mausoleum and Yonghou Mausoleum in the county seat area; Yongyu Mausoleum and Yongtai Mausoleum in the Baling Mausoleum area. Among the tombs of the Northern Song Dynasty, the only tomb that charges is paid is the Yongding Mausoleum (the tomb of Zhao Heng, Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty) on the outskirts of the city. In the mausoleum area, you can see many very tall "stone statues" (one of the main ritual objects in front of the tombs of the emperors, which are stone figures and animals on both sides of the Shinto), among which there are generals, lions, and warriors. Like Gongren and others, many portraits have the appearance of "Hu Ren". Yongzhao Mausoleum, located in the urban area, is the mausoleum of Zhao Zhen, the fourth emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty, Song Renzong, and has now been transformed into Song Mausoleum Park. The entire Yongzhao Mausoleum is huge in scale and consists of "Emperor's Mausoleum", "Queen's Mausoleum" and "Lower Palace". Originally, there were various buildings such as the upper palace, the lower palace and the monastery palaces on the mausoleum, but now they have been seriously damaged. There are existing building foundations such as magpie platforms, gate valves and angle valves on the ground, especially the Shinto stone statues are relatively preserved. whole. It is suggested that except for Yongding Mausoleum and Yongzhao Mausoleum, other mausoleum areas are outside the wilderness, and the traffic is somewhat inconvenient. If you are pressed for time, you can visit the Yongzhao Mausoleum (Songling Park) in the urban area; if you have enough time, it is recommended to spend a day to see all the "Seven Emperors and Eight Tombs". Reference route: Yongtai Mausoleum - Yongyu Mausoleum - Yongchang Mausoleum - Yongxi Mausoleum - Yongding Mausoleum - Yongzhao Mausoleum - Yonghou Mausoleum. You can only choose self-driving or chartered transportation.

Gongyi · 3.4km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Gongyi

Featured Day tours in Gongyi

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Gongyi & Longmen Grottoes Day Tour from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Private with Hotel Pickup
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Duration: 10 hrs
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Henan Gongyi 1-day tour|Seven emperors and eight mausoleums + Gongyi Museum + Grotto Temple/optional English-speaking guide
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FromKRW 61,021
Luoyang  Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes Day Tour(Optional Group Tour)
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4.4/5
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Duration: 6 hrs
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Luoyang Songshan Shaolin Temple + Longmen Grottoes Day Trip including martial arts performance / Small group or English-speaking guide optional
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4.9/5
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Duration: 7.7 hrs
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Luoyang Shaolin Temple & Pagoda Forest Day Tour from Luoyang/Zhengzhou | Kung Fu Show Included, Optional Kung Fu Class or English-Speaking Guide
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4.8/5
· 10 reviews· 111 booked
Duration: 5 hrs
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 Luoyang Private Day Tour to Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple
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4.9/5
· 13 reviews· 96 booked
Duration: 9 hrs
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1-Day Tour: Longmen Grottoes, Shaolin Temple & Songyang Academy from Luoyang
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4.8/5
· 13 reviews· 69 booked
Duration: 6.6 hrs
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Featured Outdoor & sports in Gongyi

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Luoyang Tour to Songshan Shaolin Scenic Including 2-Hour Kung Fu Lesson with Master
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Songshan Shaolin Scenic+Longmen Grottoes1-day Tour
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Exclusive Zhengzhou Private Excursion: Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Immersion and Activities
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Featured Food & drink in Gongyi

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Luoyang Palace Banquet • A Feast Through the Centuries [Yingtianmen Branch] (Immersive Imperial Feast + Audiovisual Extravaganza + Ancient-style Music and Dance)
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FromKRW 40,409
Luoyang Tang dynasty palace feast - enjoy 12 exquisite dishes while watching a performance - Yingtian grand banquet
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Luoyang Wu Huang Feast: Immerse in the Splendor of the Wuzhou Era
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Luoyang Yanle | Ancient Costume Makeover, 360° Holographic Show & Heluo Royal Banquet
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Luoyang grand harmony • Yingtian feast (immersive experience of an emperor + palace delicacies)
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Gongyi Today's weatherClear 8-17℃
Gongyi weather for the next 2 days11/7: 7-16℃, 11/8: 4-15℃

Free things to do in Gongyi

What travellers say about Gongyi

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Anonymous user8 October 2026
4.0
Very good. Worth seeing. The ticket price of 50 yuan is reasonable. The brick and wood carvings are exquisite, and the houses tell many stories, spanning the Ming, Qing, and Republican periods. There are many makeshift parking spots along the roadside, used for soliciting passengers; hopefully, this will be addressed.

Kang Baiwan Manor

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_M1***0826 October 2026
5.0
I'd give it a perfect score of 10. Fewer crowds, and the grottoes are incredibly impressive, brimming with historical and cultural atmosphere. You can see them up close, and in my opinion, the experience is even better than the Longmen Grottoes. Highly recommended!

Gongxian Grottoes

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M47***1519 February 2026
5.0
With boundless respect and anticipation, we brought our children to trace the footsteps of Du Fu, one of the greatest poets of the Tang Dynasty, a man deeply concerned about his country and its people. The entire former residence reflects Du Fu's life: simple, almost to the extreme, devoid of any extravagance or superfluity. Perhaps due to the relatively low number of visitors, there weren't enough funds for renovations. This aligns with Du Fu's character and destiny throughout his life.

Du Fu's Hometown

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AmaliaCampana1 November 2026
5.0
I really loved the presentación, and the walk to the Chuz temple is definitely worth it if you want to avoid the crowds of the main shaoling temple. And i recommend to be at least 20 min before the show starts to find a good spot

Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area

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程咬金金1 November 2026
5.0
I visited Henan in October and went to Songyang Academy in Dengfeng, one of the four great academies in China, with a profound historical and cultural heritage! Mount Song, the central peak of the Five Sacred Mountains, was a bit strenuous to climb, with over 5,000 steps. But the scenery was truly beautiful.

Songshan Scenic Area

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Anonymous user5 September 2026
5.0
The young tour guide was very responsible and knowledgeable about history. Later, I took her directly to the grotto temple, where she talked to me for almost two hours about it. It was truly heartwarming to have people who love local culture sharing their local culture and history.

Yongzhao Mausoleum

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殷都老虎16 July 2023
4.0
Songling The Imperial Mausoleum of the Northern Song Dynasty, located in Gongyi City, Henan Province, was built in the first year of the Qiande reign (963 AD) and is the mausoleum of the Northern Song emperor and his accompanying clan members. There are more than 300 tombs in the Song Tombs, covering an area of ​​about 156 square kilometers. There are more than 700 stone carvings, which have important cultural and artistic value. The mausoleum complex covers the remaining seven emperors of the Northern Song Dynasty except Huizong and Qinzong, plus the mausoleum of Zhao Kuangyin's father Zhao Hongyin, collectively known as the "Seven Emperors and Eight Mausoleums". Surrounding the eight imperial tombs are more than 300 tombs of empresses, royal family members, and famous generals and meritorious officials. The tombs of ministers such as Kou Zhun and Bao Zheng are also among them. The Song Tombs pioneered several types of mausoleum area settings, embodying the royal order of hierarchy and strict hierarchy, and forming a theoretically rigorous and unique royal funeral culture. Main mausoleums: Imperial mausoleums: Yong'an Mausoleum, Yongchang Mausoleum (Zhao Kuangyin), Yongxi Mausoleum, Yongding Mausoleum, Yongzhao Mausoleum (restored), Yonghou Mausoleum (semi-developed), Yongyu Mausoleum, Yongtai Mausoleum, Yongxian Mausoleum. Tombs for accompanying burials: Tomb of King Wei, Tomb of Empress Li of Yuande, Tomb of Kou Zhun, Tomb of Bao Zheng, Tomb of Empress Cao of Guangxian, Tomb of Empress Gao of Xuanren, and Tomb of Empress Xiang of Qinsheng. Tips: Yongzhao Mausoleum (restored), closed most of the time, it is recommended to call for consultation. Yonghou Mausoleum (semi-developed) is a ruins square with great visiting value. The above two gardens are both located in the urban area with convenient transportation. Yongchang Mausoleum (Zhao Kuangyin) is 7 kilometers away from the city center and requires driving. The cemetery is protected and undeveloped, and you can enter and exit freely to enjoy the authentic original mausoleum style. The stone statues in the mausoleum are slender and elegant, reflecting the Song Dynasty's emphasis on culture over military affairs. The image of the warrior guarding Zhao Kuangyin's tomb is lively and vivid, natural and casual, reflecting the Song Dynasty's people-loving style. Accommodation: Convenient accommodation and food close to the city. Ticket price: Free. Time: Each mausoleum takes about 20-60 minutes to visit.

Imperial Mausoleum of the Northern Song Dynasty

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M32***4017 March 2025
4.0
When I came to Changshou Mountain Scenic Area, I was refreshed by the red leaves all over the mountain. Being in the red leaves, it was really a different scene with every step. In particular, you can take a helicopter tour of the scenic area, which was very shocking. The children had a lot of fun.

The Bamboo Forest Longevity Mountain

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Anonymous user28 June 2026
5.0
I'm someone who never leaves reviews, but this time I have to give it a strong one. This experience was truly amazing! The facilities were beautifully designed, and the house was very comfortable, with large floor-to-ceiling windows, plenty of hot water, and no clogged drains. Even during a windy night, the cabin remained stable and quiet. The service was excellent; the staff was incredibly attentive from start to finish. They turned on the air conditioning before we arrived, and had our meals prepared in advance. Even after a long day, she still stood and chatted with us. The rooms were clean, hygienic, and bright. As for the food, it was absolutely delicious!! I highly recommend the chicken soup; ordering a day in advance allows them to have it freshly killed! I was blown away!! It wasn't fishy at all, and the chicken was plump and juicy. There was one minor incident: we encountered two unreasonable customers who kept causing trouble for the shop, demanding only a refund. I overheard them threatening to report us to the police and leave a bad review. I want to strongly condemn these kinds of unscrupulous customers and tell everyone not to believe their negative reviews!! 🙅 I will definitely bring my family and friends back~

Fuxi Grand Canyon

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精光葫芦娃26 November 2020
5.0
Ciyun Temple is located in the west of Tianzhen County, Datong City, Shanxi Province. It is known as the "Great Temple in the North of the Pass". It was first built in the Tang Dynasty and was originally named Fahua Temple. It was renamed Ciyun Temple during the Xuande period of the Ming Dynasty. The full view of Ciyun Temple seen now is a complete group of ancient buildings preserved during the Xuande period of the early Ming Dynasty. The whole temple is more than 140 meters long and more than 40 meters wide. There are four halls, namely the Vajra Hall, the Great Hall, the Sakyamuni Hall, and the Pilu Hall, as well as the Guanyin Hall and the Ksitigarbha Hall on the east and west wings. On May 25, 2006, Ciyun Temple, as an ancient building of the Ming Dynasty, was approved by the State Council to be included in the sixth batch of national key cultural relics protection units.

Mount Qinglong Ciyun Temple

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What are the must-do things in Gongyi?

Don't miss these attractions in Gongyi: Kang Baiwan Manor, Gongxian Grottoes, and Du Fu's Hometown. If you like Day tours, try Gongyi & Longmen Grottoes Day Tour from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Private with Hotel Pickup. If you enjoy Outdoor & sports, try Luoyang Tour to Songshan Shaolin Scenic Including 2-Hour Kung Fu Lesson with Master.

You can give Luoyang Palace Banquet • A Feast Through the Centuries [Yingtianmen Branch] (Immersive Imperial Feast + Audiovisual Extravaganza + Ancient-style Music and Dance) and Luoyang Tang dynasty palace feast - enjoy 12 exquisite dishes while watching a performance - Yingtian grand banquet a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Gongyi & Longmen Grottoes Day Tour from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Private with Hotel Pickup, Henan Gongyi 1-day tour|Seven emperors and eight mausoleums + Gongyi Museum + Grotto Temple/optional English-speaking guide, and 1-day tour to Gongyi Grottoes Temple, Kang Bai Wan Zhuang Yuan, and Yellow River Cultural Park in Zhengzhou with bilingual Chinese-English service. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 7 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Gongyi is around KRW 61,021 – KRW 281,492. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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