Shaolin Temple Tours

Shaolin Temple tours take you to the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and kung fu, deep in the Song Mountains of Henan. Walk the 1,500-year-old halls, stand among the stone pagodas of the Talin forest, and watch the warrior monks train — with local guides who know every courtyard and story.

Hours, prices and access verified by the Shaolin Temple Tours team — last checked July 20, 2026

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Expert Local Guides

Every guided tour is led by a Henan-based guide who can read the steles, explain the frescoes, and reach the Pagoda Forest before the tour buses.

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Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead on most tours, and reserve-now-pay-later means nothing leaves your account today.

The Birthplace of Kung Fu

See the monks' martial-arts show, climb toward Damo Cave, and stand where 1,500 years of Chan Buddhism began.

FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24 HOURS on most tours · Reserve now, pay later · Passport required for entry
Shaolin Temple Tours›Tours & Tickets 2026 Updated: July 20, 2026
Top Picks

The Best Shaolin Temple Tours

Three stand-outs from the full line-up — a combined day trip, a hands-on kung fu lesson, and the monks’ show paired with Mount Song. Each has its own detail page.

Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes Day Tour – Shaolin Temple tourTOP RATED

Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes Day Tour

5.0 ★ (10)From $175

Travel from Zhengzhou to two of Henan's greatest sights in one day. You'll spend around three hours at the Shaolin Temple — the halls, the Pagoda Forest and the monks' kung fu demonstration — then move on to the cliffside Buddhas carved into the limestone at the Longmen Grottoes. An in-person English-speaking guide, private car, all entrance fees, bottled water and a meal are included. Rated 5.0 across 10 reviews, and one of the few tours here that is fully wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

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Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Lesson Tour – Shaolin Temple tourBEST FOR KUNG FU

Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Lesson Tour

5.0 ★ (5)From $205

Go beyond watching. This private day trip from Zhengzhou pairs a guided walk through the temple halls and the Pagoda Forest with a hands-on kung fu lesson from a master at a nearby training school. You'll catch the monks' demonstration on arrival, hear the history on the drive, and break for a local lunch before the lesson itself. Private car, hotel pick-up, entrance fees and lunch are included. It runs six to eight hours and holds a perfect 5.0 rating.

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Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Show & Mt Song Tour – Shaolin Temple tour

Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Show & Mt Song Tour

5.0 ★ (2)From $180

A private Zhengzhou day trip built around the two things visitors remember most: the warrior monks' kung fu show and the sacred scenery of Mount Song. You'll spend about three hours at the temple and Pagoda Forest, then ride up into the Songshan range for the views. An English-speaking guide, private transport, entrance fees, water and a meal are included, and the tour is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. A good choice if you want the spectacle and the mountains without the long drive to Longmen.

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Every Option

All Shaolin Temple Tours

Day trips, kung fu lessons, entrance tickets and multi-city rail tours — from Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xi’an and Beijing. Prices are per person as listed on each booking page.

Shaolin Temple & Longmen Private Transfer – Shaolin Temple tourBEST VALUE

Shaolin Temple & Longmen Private Transfer

5.0 ★ (4)From $98

The flexible, budget-friendly way to see both sites from Zhengzhou. A private driver takes you door-to-door and waits at each stop — around two and a half hours at the Shaolin Temple and Pagoda Forest, then the Longmen Grottoes — while you explore at your own pace. Add the guided option if you want the stories told on site. Bottled water and private transport are included; entrance fees are paid on arrival, so budget about US$30 per person for tickets.

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All-Inclusive Shaolin & Longmen Day Tour – Shaolin Temple tour

All-Inclusive Shaolin & Longmen Day Tour

5.0 ★ (3)From $186

A hands-off private day from Luoyang with nothing left to arrange. Entrance fees to both the Shaolin Temple and the Longmen Grottoes, lunch, a professional guide and private transport are all covered. You'll see the Longmen Buddhas, the temple halls and the Pagoda Forest, with a kung fu performance along the way. Around eight to nine hours, currently discounted from US$198, and a smooth pick if you'd rather pay once and simply follow the guide.

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Luoyang Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Lesson – Shaolin Temple tour

Luoyang Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Lesson

5.0 ★ (1)From $206

The Luoyang counterpart to the hands-on kung fu day: watch the monks perform, explore the temple and China's largest Pagoda Forest with your guide, then spend an hour learning basic stances and forms from a kung fu master. Private transport, hotel pick-up, entrance fees and lunch are included, and you'll have roughly four hours on site — more temple time than most combo tours. Six to nine hours in total, departing from your Luoyang hotel.

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Shaolin Temple Entrance Ticket – Shaolin Temple tourBEST VALUE

Shaolin Temple Entrance Ticket

New listingFrom $30

Just the ticket, for travellers arriving under their own steam. This skip-the-line entry covers the Shaolin Temple Scenic Area, including the Pagoda Forest, with fast-track access using your passport or a QR code. A digital guide map helps you find the quieter Zen corners at your own pace. Note the essentials: your original passport is required to enter, and transport, a guide and meals are not included. The kung fu shows at the Martial Arts Hall are free with entry — check the daily times when you arrive.

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Shaolin Temple Tour with Kung Fu Class – Shaolin Temple tour

Shaolin Temple Tour with Kung Fu Class

4.7 ★ (3)From $206

A private guided day from either Zhengzhou or Luoyang, ending with a real Shaolin kung fu class. You'll watch an authentic performance, explore the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Main Hall and the Pagoda Forest with a private guide, then learn basic stances and techniques from a master — a one- or two-hour session, your choice. Hotel pick-up, the entrance fee and the kung fu experience are included. Around seven hours, with flexible departure from whichever city you're based in.

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Private Shaolin Temple & Longmen Tour – Shaolin Temple tourTOP RATED

Private Shaolin Temple & Longmen Tour

4.9 ★ (10)From $168

A well-reviewed private day from Zhengzhou covering both UNESCO sites at an easy pace. Your guide leads you through the temple halls, courtyards and the Pagoda Forest — a concentration of tomb pagodas for the monastery's abbots — then the Buddhist stone carvings of Longmen. Bottled water, a professional guide, hotel transfers and a private vehicle are included; the entrance fees, battery bus and lunch are optional add-ons chosen at booking. Rated 4.9 across 10 reviews, and eight hours end to end.

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Private Guided Shaolin Temple Transfer – Shaolin Temple tourBEST VALUE

Private Guided Shaolin Temple Transfer

5.0 ★ (2)From $98

A shorter private option focused on the temple itself, with hotel transfers from Zhengzhou. Your guide fills the 1.5-hour drive with the monastery's history, then walks you through the halls and the Pagoda Forest and on to the monks' kung fu performance. Bottled water, a professional guide and private transport are included; entrance and the battery bus are optional add-ons. About six hours, and a good fit if Longmen isn't on your list and you'd rather keep the day short.

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Shaolin & Longmen from Xi'an by Train – Shaolin Temple tour

Shaolin & Longmen from Xi'an by Train

5.0 ★ (5)From $151

See Henan's headline sights on a long day trip from Xi'an, without changing hotels. You'll take the high-speed train to Luoyang — about 1.5 hours each way — then travel by private car to the Longmen Grottoes and the Shaolin Temple with a guide, roughly two hours at each. Round-trip train tickets, both transfers and meals are included; entrance fees run about US$34 per person, paid on the day. Twelve to thirteen hours in total, and wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

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Shaolin Temple & Longmen from Beijing – Shaolin Temple tour

Shaolin Temple & Longmen from Beijing

New listingFrom $500

The long-haul option for travellers based in Beijing with only one free day. A bullet train runs south to Zhengzhou, where a private guide and driver take over for the Shaolin Temple — about two hours, with the kung fu show and a vegetarian lunch — and then the Longmen Grottoes. Round-trip train tickets, entrance fees, lunch, water and all transfers are included. It's a full thirteen to fourteen hours and priced accordingly at US$500, reflecting the distance and the private, all-covered format.

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2-Day Luoyang & Shaolin Temple Tour – Shaolin Temple tour

2-Day Luoyang & Shaolin Temple Tour

5.0 ★ (2)From $370

Two unhurried days from Luoyang for travellers who don't want to rush. Day one pairs the White Horse Temple — the traditional birthplace of Buddhism in China — with about three hours at the Shaolin Temple and its Pagoda Forest and kung fu show. Day two covers the Longmen Grottoes, the Luoyang Museum and the old town. An English-speaking guide, private transfers and entrance fees are included; accommodation and meals are arranged separately. Note: this tour allows free cancellation up to six days ahead, not 24 hours.

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Shaolin Temple & Mt Song Full-Day Tour – Shaolin Temple tour

Shaolin Temple & Mt Song Full-Day Tour

5.0 ★ (3)From $258

A private Zhengzhou day that trades Longmen for the mountain. After about two hours at the Shaolin Temple and Pagoda Forest, you'll ride the cable car up Mount Song for the views and continue to the Sanhuang Village scenic area. A professional guide, air-conditioned car, entrance fees, round-trip cable-car tickets, lunch and water are all included. Eight to nine hours, and a strong choice if you'd rather spend the afternoon in the Songshan range than at another set of caves.

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Shaolin Kung Fu Experience Day Tour – Shaolin Temple tour

Shaolin Kung Fu Experience Day Tour

4.8 ★ (4)From $305

A private Luoyang day pairing the Longmen Grottoes with the Shaolin Temple and the warrior monks' kung fu show — the 'experience' here is the performance, not a hands-on class. With roughly four hours at each site, it's an unhurried way to take in the carvings, the temple halls and the Pagoda Forest. Hotel pick-up, private transport, a Chinese lunch, water and both entrance fees are included. Eight hours in total, rated 4.8, and led door-to-door by a private guide.

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Shaolin Temple & Longmen from Zhengzhou – Shaolin Temple tour

Shaolin Temple & Longmen from Zhengzhou

5.0 ★ (3)From $318

A straightforward private day from Zhengzhou covering both UNESCO sites with a licensed guide. You'll have about two hours at the Shaolin Temple — halls, Pagoda Forest and the kung fu demonstration — and a vegetarian lunch at the temple itself before continuing to the Longmen Grottoes. Hotel transfers, a private vehicle, bottled water and both entrance fees are included. Nine hours end to end, and a dependable pick if you want a fully-guided combo without add-on decisions at checkout.

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Shaolin & Longmen from Xi'an by High-Speed Train – Shaolin Temple tourTOP RATED

Shaolin & Longmen from Xi'an by High-Speed Train

5.0 ★ (9)From $309

Another Xi'an rail day trip, this one with the entrance fees already included. You'll ride the high-speed train to Luoyang, then travel by private car with your guide to the Longmen Grottoes and the Shaolin Temple, spending around three hours at the temple and its Pagoda Forest. Round-trip train tickets, meals, unlimited water and both entrance fees are covered, plus the Xi'an hotel-to-station transfer. Rated 5.0 across nine reviews. Note: this tour is non-refundable, so lock in your date before you book.

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About the Temple

Where Chan Buddhism and Kung Fu Began

Shaolin Temple sits at the western foot of Mount Song, near Dengfeng in Henan, and has drawn pilgrims and martial artists since the Northern Wei emperor Xiaowen founded it in 495 CE for the Indian monk Batuo. It became the cradle of Chan (Zen) Buddhism after Bodhidharma arrived around 527, and the birthplace of Shaolin kung fu. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, the monastery pairs living tradition with deep history. Here is what to see, how to reach it, and which guided tour fits your trip.

The Temple & Its History

Batuo founded the monastery in 495 CE; Bodhidharma made it the seat of Chan Buddhism a generation later. Its monks won Tang patronage after aiding the future emperor Li Shimin, and the temple survived a devastating fire in 1928 before its modern revival.

Skip the Confusion at the Gate

Your original passport is required to buy a ticket and enter. The scenic area is large, with shuttle buggies between the temple, the Pagoda Forest and the cable cars. A guided tour handles the tickets and times you for a kung fu show.

Halls, Pagodas & the Song Mountains

Beyond the Mountain Gate lie the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall and the Thousand-Buddha Hall, where centuries of stance practice wore pits into the stone floor. West of the temple, the Talin Pagoda Forest holds hundreds of brick-and-stone tomb pagodas, and the Songshan ridgeline rises behind it all toward Damo Cave.

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Shaolin Temple Tours at a Glance

Price, length, time on site and who each tour suits best — sorted from the shortest transfer to the longest rail day.

TourPriceDurationAt ShaolinBest forBook
Shaolin Temple & Longmen Private TransferFrom $988 to 10 hoursAbout 2.5 hours (Shaolin Temple + Pagoda Forest)Independent travellers who want transport, not a scripted tourBook
All-Inclusive Shaolin & Longmen Day TourFrom $1868 to 9 hoursAbout 2 hours (Shaolin Temple + Pagoda Forest)Luoyang-based visitors who want everything bundled and paid upfrontBook
Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes Day TourFrom $1758 to 10 hoursAbout 3 hoursFirst-time visitors and families who want both UNESCO sites in one accessible dayBook
Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Lesson TourFrom $2056 to 8 hoursAbout 3 hoursMartial-arts fans who want to train, not just tourBook
Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Show & Mt Song TourFrom $1806 to 8 hoursAbout 3 hours (itinerary also includes Mount Song)Visitors who want the kung fu show plus Mount Song sceneryBook
Luoyang Shaolin Temple Kung Fu LessonFrom $2066 to 9 hoursAbout 4 hours (Shaolin Temple + Pagoda Forest)Luoyang visitors who want a kung fu lesson and extra time at the templeBook
Shaolin Temple Entrance TicketFrom $30——Independent visitors who only need fast-track entryBook
Shaolin Temple Tour with Kung Fu ClassFrom $2067 hours—Travellers flexible on their base city who want a proper classBook
Private Shaolin Temple & Longmen TourFrom $1688 hours—Travellers who want a private, well-rated day and flexible extrasBook
Private Guided Shaolin Temple TransferFrom $986 hours—Visitors who want the temple and the show without the long combo dayBook
Shaolin & Longmen from Xi'an by TrainFrom $15112 to 13 hoursAbout 2 hoursXi'an-based travellers doing Henan as a rail day tripBook
Shaolin Temple & Longmen from BeijingFrom $50013 to 14 hoursAbout 2 hoursBeijing-based visitors set on seeing Shaolin in a single dayBook
2-Day Luoyang & Shaolin Temple TourFrom $3702 daysAbout 3 hoursTravellers who want depth over two days, not a rushed single dayBook
Shaolin Temple & Mt Song Full-Day TourFrom $2588 to 9 hoursAbout 2 hoursVisitors who prefer mountain scenery to a second cave complexBook
Shaolin Kung Fu Experience Day TourFrom $3058 hoursAbout 4 hoursLuoyang visitors wanting a relaxed pace and the kung fu showBook
Shaolin Temple & Longmen from ZhengzhouFrom $3189 hoursAbout 2 hoursZhengzhou visitors who want a simple, fully-guided combo dayBook
Shaolin & Longmen from Xi'an by High-Speed TrainFrom $3099 hoursAbout 3 hoursXi'an rail-trippers who want entrance fees bundled inBook
Plan Your Visit

Getting to Shaolin Temple

The temple lies near Dengfeng, in the Songshan range, roughly 1.5 hours by road from either Zhengzhou or Luoyang. Most visitors come on a private day tour with hotel pick-up; the high-speed rail network also puts it within a long day trip of Xi'an and Beijing.

Nearest cities
Zhengzhou & Luoyang (about 1.5 hrs by car)
Entrance
Around CNY 80 per adult; passport required
Kung fu shows
Free with entry, several times daily
Time needed
3–4 hours for the temple, halls and Pagoda Forest
Best season
Spring and autumn; weekday mornings are quietest

Full visiting guide

Gallery

See Shaolin Temple Before You Go

The temple halls, the Pagoda Forest, Mount Song and the Longmen Buddhas — a glimpse of what your day looks like on the ground.

The main halls of Shaolin Temple beneath Mount Song in Dengfeng, Henan Warrior monks performing the Shaolin kung fu show Forest path climbing Mount Song above Shaolin Temple Stone entrance sign at the gate of Shaolin Temple Buddha statues carved into the cliffs at the Longmen Grottoes near Luoyang The Mountain Gate entrance to Shaolin Temple Shaolin Temple and the Longmen Grottoes, Henan's two UNESCO World Heritage sites Red temple walls and courtyards inside Shaolin Temple
View the full gallery
Traveller Reviews

What Visitors Say

Paraphrased from verified reviews left on each tour’s booking listing.

We booked expecting a fun kung fu show and got that, but the temple itself was the surprise — ancient trees, wild sculptures and the roots of Chan Buddhism. Our guide Lisa is a local and her pride in the area showed, and the vegetarian meal at the temple was a highlight.
Timothy K.July 2025
A lifelong kung fu student, I was picked from the crowd to learn Tiger Boxing from a monk, then took a two-hour private lesson at a training centre. The cable car up to the Second Patriarch Temple gave an aerial view over the Pagoda Forest and the whole Song Mountain valley.
Gordon M.Canada
Our day with guide Lily was the highlight of a ten-day China trip — friendly, full of history, and generous with insight into everyday life in China. Highly recommended.
SharonAustralia, May 2026
Cecilia knew the history and Buddhism behind both sites inside out. Longmen felt far more meaningful with her explanations of the carvings and dynasties, and at Shaolin she brought the monks' stories to life.
Lam N.March 2026
Guide Mountain explained the temple's history on the drive, sorted all the tickets, and walked us through the halls and the Pagoda Forest before an excellent farm lunch and a private lesson at a kung fu school.
Colin B.June 2024
Our guide Shane really knew her history — how Shaolin became famous after the first Tang emperor was rescued by its monks, and how a warlord destroyed most of it in the early 1900s. The kung fu session was a genuine glimpse into the training schools nearby.
Andy J.October 2024
Everything ran smoothly. The driver was punctual and helpful, and tickets for both Shaolin and the Longmen Caves were already bought before we set off. A translation app and WeChat made meeting points easy.
Alessandra C.October 2025
A rewarding day with a Zhengzhou local, Spring, who was extremely knowledgeable and made a one-day private tour the best part of our short stay.
Jimmy Y.February 2026
A helpful, professional guide and two world-famous monuments in a single day. Worth remembering that the day moves quickly, so keep your group focused on the sites themselves.
Nikolaos P.October 2024
Nicely organised, and our guide was very informative about the history of everything we visited — friendly and easy to talk to throughout the day.
Rebecca R.October 2025
An incredible day. Joe explained so much in real detail, answered every question, and kept everything running on time.
Romy P.June 2025
Our guide Alice shared wonderful historical knowledge of both the temple and the Longmen Grottoes. A most recommended trip.
LilyMalaysia, October 2025
Good to Know

Shaolin Temple Tour FAQs

Tickets, timing, getting there, kung fu lessons and cancellation — answered.

Do I need to book Shaolin Temple tours in advance?
For guided tours and private transfers, yes — book a few days ahead in peak season (spring and autumn) and around Chinese public holidays, when private guides and cars fill up. Entrance-ticket-only options can usually be booked a day or two out. Most tours offer reserve-now-pay-later, so you can lock a date without paying today.
How much does it cost to enter Shaolin Temple?
The Shaolin Scenic Area entrance ticket is around CNY 80 (about US$11) per adult, which covers the temple grounds, the Pagoda Forest and the daily kung fu shows. Some guided day tours include this fee; others leave it to pay on arrival, so check each tour's inclusions before booking.
What are Shaolin Temple's opening hours?
The scenic area is generally open every day, with longer hours in the peak season (roughly March to November) and earlier closing in winter. Times can change, so confirm the exact hours for your date — the Visiting page has the current details and the last-entry cut-off.
When is the best time to visit Shaolin Temple?
Spring and autumn bring the most comfortable weather and the clearest mountain views. Aim for a weekday morning to reach the temple before the tour buses, and avoid the first week of October and other national holidays, when crowds peak. Summers are hot and humid; winters are quiet but cold.
How do I get to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou?
Shaolin Temple sits near Dengfeng, about 1.5 hours by road from Zhengzhou. The easiest option is a private tour or transfer with hotel pick-up; there are also public buses from Zhengzhou's long-distance stations. Most guided day tours on this site depart from Zhengzhou.
How do I get to Shaolin Temple from Luoyang?
From Luoyang, the temple is roughly 1.5 hours by car, and many private day tours pair it with the nearby Longmen Grottoes. Hotel pick-up is included on most Luoyang tours, which is the simplest way to reach the site without navigating buses.
Is the kung fu show included, and when is it on?
Yes — the martial-arts performances at the Martial Arts Hall are free with your entrance ticket and run several times a day. Schedules vary, so check the times when you arrive. Guided tours are usually timed so you catch a show soon after entering.
How long should I spend at Shaolin Temple?
Plan on three to four hours to see the main halls, the Pagoda Forest and a kung fu show at an unhurried pace. Add more if you want to hike toward Damo Cave or take the cable car up Mount Song. Combined Shaolin-and-Longmen day tours typically allow two to three hours at the temple itself.
Do I need my passport to visit Shaolin Temple?
Yes. Your original passport is required to buy tickets and enter the scenic area, and it is also needed at booking for high-speed train tours. Bring the physical document — a photo or copy is not accepted at the gate.
Can I take a kung fu lesson at Shaolin Temple?
Yes. Several tours include a hands-on lesson with a master at a nearby training school — usually one to two hours of basic stances, forms and techniques, suitable for complete beginners. Look for the kung fu lesson and kung fu class tours if that is your priority.
Is Shaolin Temple wheelchair accessible?
Parts of the scenic area are accessible, and a few tours are marked wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, with accessible transport. The Pagoda Forest paths and some temple steps can be uneven, and the cable car and Damo Cave hike are not step-free. Check the accessibility note on each tour before booking.
Can I visit Shaolin Temple and the Longmen Grottoes in one day?
Yes, and most day tours do exactly that — the two UNESCO sites are about 1.5 hours apart. Expect a full day of eight to ten hours. If you would rather not rush, a Shaolin-only tour gives you more time at the temple and the kung fu show.
Is Shaolin Temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. In 2010 the Shaolin Temple, its Pagoda Forest and the Chuzu Temple were inscribed as part of the 'Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in the Centre of Heaven and Earth'. The nearby Longmen Grottoes are a separate UNESCO site, listed in 2000.
Where is Shaolin Temple, and what is it known for?
Shaolin Temple stands at the western foot of Mount Song near Dengfeng, in Henan Province. Founded in 495 CE, it is known as the cradle of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and the birthplace of Shaolin kung fu, and for the warrior monks who have trained there for some 1,500 years.
Can I cancel a Shaolin Temple tour if my plans change?
Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. A couple differ — one two-day tour needs six days' notice, and one high-speed-train day trip is non-refundable — and each is flagged in its own description. Always check the cancellation terms before you pay.
Travel Guides

Read Before You Go

Practical guides to visiting the temple, training kung fu, and pairing Shaolin with the Longmen Grottoes.