About Shaolin Monastery
Tucked into the forested slopes of Mount Song, Shaolin Monastery was founded in 495 CE for the Indian monk Batuo. Its fame grew after the arrival of Bodhidharma, who tradition says meditated facing a cave wall for nine years nearby and laid the foundation of Chan, the school known in Japan as Zen. Over centuries the monks also developed martial practices that became the celebrated Shaolin kung fu.
The monastery remains a working Buddhist community as well as a major attraction. Visitors move through a sequence of halls toward the Thousand Buddha Hall, where shallow depressions in the brick floor are said to be worn by generations of training monks. The nearby Pagoda Forest holds more than two hundred brick and stone funerary stupas for abbots and eminent monks, the largest such group in China.
What to see
- Pagoda Forest of monks' funerary stupas
- Thousand Buddha Hall and its worn floor
- Bodhidharma Cave on Wuru Peak
- Daily kung fu demonstrations
- Songshan scenery and cable car routes
Visiting Shaolin Monastery: practical guide
- Best time
- April to June and September to October
- Hours
- Daily, about 8:00 to 17:30
- Entry
- About 80 CNY for the scenic area
- Dress code
- Modest clothing in worship halls
- Nearest airport
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO), 100 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Arrive early to visit the halls before tour groups
- Allow a full day if hiking to Bodhidharma Cave
- Combine with the Songyue Pagoda and other Dengfeng monuments
Festivals and special days
- Buddha's Birthday
- Shaolin International Wushu Festival
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Buddhism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Remove shoes and hats before entering temple halls.
- Cover shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing.
- Never point your feet toward a Buddha image or monk.
- Women should not touch or hand items directly to Theravada monks.
- Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
- Do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha statues.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Shaolin Monastery?
Shaolin Monastery is in Dengfeng, Henan, China, Asia. GPS coordinates: 34.5074, 112.9355. The nearest airport is Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO), 100 km.
What is the best time to visit Shaolin Monastery?
April to June and September to October
Is there an entry fee for Shaolin Monastery?
About 80 CNY for the scenic area Opening hours: Daily, about 8:00 to 17:30
What should I wear when visiting Shaolin Monastery?
Modest clothing in worship halls
Which religion is Shaolin Monastery sacred to?
Shaolin Monastery is sacred to Buddhism. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
