SHAOLIN TEMPLE &
MOUNT SONG
Walk the sacred grounds of Mount Song — where ancient tradition, martial arts, and spiritual wisdom meet
An immersive journey to the ancestral home of Chan Buddhism and the legendary Shaolin tradition of martial arts, set beneath the dramatic peaks of Mount Song.
Your private journey includes an experienced local guide who brings Shaolin’s history, Chan Buddhist heritage and Kung Fu traditions to life, with private transportation throughout your experience.
Experience the spiritual heritage of Shaolin Temple, the power of traditional Kung Fu and the dramatic landscapes of Mount Song — privately and at your own pace.
An immersive journey to the ancestral home of Chan Buddhism and the legendary Shaolin tradition of martial arts, set beneath the dramatic peaks of Mount Song.
Your private journey includes an experienced local guide who brings Shaolin’s history, Chan Buddhist heritage and Kung Fu traditions to life, with private transportation throughout your experience.
Your comfort comes first. We carefully select the best available 4–5-star hotels in Dengfeng, from modern Chinese properties to distinctive Shaolin-themed stays. Staying in Dengfeng places you close to Shaolin Temple and Mount Song while giving you the comfort and convenience of a well-appointed base for your journey.
Prefer international luxury
For traveller's who prefer internationally recognised 5-star brands, we can arrange your stay in Zhengzhou, approximately 1½ hours from the Monastary, with private transportation connecting you seamlessly with Mount Song and the temple.
Where to Stay in Dengfeng
2024 local 4 star
Songshan Hotel
Songshan Hotel is a modern 4-star hotel in Dengfeng, Zhengzhou, positioned as a convenient base for visitors exploring the Songshan area and nearby attractions such as Shaolin Temple and Songshan Scenic Area.
Themed Hotel
Chanwu Hotel
It's a genuine upscale Shaolin/Zen/martial-arts themed hotel, and current listings classify it as a 4-star hotel.
Zhongzhou Leading Hotel
The hotel serves a Chinese-style buffet breakfast and also has an on-site restaurant and lobby bar.
Location receives frequent praise because of its proximity to Zhongyue Temple and the broader Songshan Scenic Area, making it convenient for sightseeing.
Jinpeng Ecology Hotel
It is positioned as a five-star-standard property with extensive recreational facilities and a setting near the foothills of Mount Song (Songshan), making it a convenient base for exploring the area's cultural and natural attractions.
Sanctuary of Shadows: Exploration of Mount Song
Venture into the mystical heart of Henan, where ancient temple architecture and serene alpine vistas offer a soul-stirring retreat.
Explore Shaolin with Gigway
A private, immersive journey into the heart of Mount Song.
Private Monk Mentors
Discover the spiritual traditions of Shaolin through opportunities to meet practitioners, explore Zen philosophy and experience the centuries-old traditions of Shaolin Kung Fu.
Private Guides & Ground Travel
Travel Dengfeng and Shaolin with an experienced local guide and private transportation, with carefully timed visits and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Serene Peak Stays
Find a sense of stillness in carefully selected retreats surrounded by the mountains of Songshan, with time to slow down, breathe and reconnect with the landscape.
RECOMMENDED PLAN
✅ Best overall: 2 days / 1 night
Top Choice
2 Days / 1 Night — Recommended
A well-paced introduction to Shaolin, combining its most important cultural sites with time to experience the mountains.
Day 1 — Shaolin & Mount Song
Morning: Shaolin Temple → Kung Fu Performance
Afternoon: Pagoda Forest → Sanhuangzhai Cable Car & Mountain Walk
Evening: Zen Music & Light Show → Overnight in Dengfeng
Day 2 — History & Mountain Landscapes
Morning: Songyang Academy → Zhongyue Temple
Afternoon: Short walk through the mountain trails → Depart
Ideal for travellers who want more than a temple visit — combining Shaolin’s history and martial traditions with the landscapes, culture and quieter atmosphere of Mount Song.
3-Day
3 Days — Shaolin & Mount Song Immersion
For travellers who want to go beyond the highlights and experience the deeper traditions, landscapes and culture of Shaolin.
Day 1 — Shaolin Temple & Kung Fu
Shaolin Temple → Kung Fu Performance → Pagoda Forest → Damo Cave
Day 2 — Mountains & Martial Arts
Morning martial arts session with local practitioners → Sanhuangzhai → Mountain trails and panoramic views
Day 3 — Zen & Songshan
Zen-inspired vegetarian cooking experience → Songyang Academy → Zhongyue Temple → Evening cultural experience
A slower-paced journey that allows more time for Shaolin’s martial traditions, Chan Buddhist heritage and the extraordinary landscapes of Mount Song.
Shaolin, Bespoke Stays by Gigway
From a 3–4 night cultural escape to a week-long immersion in Zen, Kung Fu and the landscapes of Mount Song, Shaolin reveals a remarkable depth of history, tradition and tranquillity.
Extend Your Shaolin Journey
Deepen your exploration of China by combining the spiritual traditions of Shaolin with the cultural wonders of Chengdu or Xi’an.
Our bespoke private journeys bring together meaningful experiences, carefully chosen stays and the freedom to travel at your own pace.
Tell us where you’d like to go, and we’ll create a private journey around your interests, pace and style of travel.