Shaolin Temple
|
Shaolin Temple embraces many exciting attractions, such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings (Tianwangdian), the Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian), the Pagoda Forest, the Dharma Cave and the Martial Art Training Center. Visitors may follow the virtual guide to visit the temple.
Shanmen Hall
First we see the Shanmen Hall. Hung on its top is a tablet reading 'Shaolin Temple'. The tablet was inscribed by the Emperor Kangxi (1622 - 1723) during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). Under the stairs of the hall crouches two stone lions made in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The hall enshrines the Maitreya Buddha. Two sides of the corridor behind the hall's gate are paved with inscriptions on stone steles made during several different dynasties.
Hall of Heavenly Kings
Next we arrive at the Hall of Heavenly Kings. The gate of the hall is guarded by two figures depicting Vajra (Buddhist warrior attendants). Inside the hall are figures of the Four Heavenly Kings who are responsible for inspecting peoples' behavior, helping the troubled, and blessing the people.
Mahavira Hall
Followers of Shaolin Martial Art |
Then we come to the Mahavira Hall. The complex center is right before your eyes. Both important celebrations and regular prayers are held here. 18 Buddhist Arhats stand along the eastern and the southern walls of the hall. Buddhas of the Middle, East and West are enshrined in this hall, respectively Sakyamuni Buddha, Pharmacist Buddha and Amitabha Buddha. Figures of Kingnaro (the founder of Shaolin Cudgel) and Dharma (the founder of Chinese Zen Buddhism) stand beside those three Buddhas, a placement which is very different from other Mahavira Halls. At the feet of the pillars in this Mahavira Hall are stone lions that are more than one meter (about 3.33 feet) high. On the ground there are about 50 small pits, 20 centimeters (about 7.87 inches) deep. It is said that they are the footprints left by monks when they practiced Shaolin Martial Arts.
Pagoda Forest
Ancestor's Monastery & the Second Ancestor's Monastery
Burn incense and pray |
Dharma Cave
Buddhist Living Quarters
Wushu (Martial Arts) Training Center
In a word, Shaolin Temple is worthy of a visit. It will give you a better understanding of Chinese Buddhism and the Chinese martial arts.
|
|
Ticket & Opening Hours
Entrance Fee | CNY80 |
---|---|
Opening Hours | 7:00 - 17:00; ticket selling starts 30mins earlier. |
Recommended Time for a Visit | 2-3h |
How to get to Shaolin Temple
From Dengfeng City: 30min by taxi
From Zhengzhou
Take a bus from Zhengzhou Central Bus Station to Shaolinsi (Shaolin Temple) directly. The bus departs at 7:20, 8:50, 9:40 and 10:40. The bus fare is CNY 30 and the duration is 2h.
Bullet Train + Bus
Or passengers can take a high speed train at Zhengzhou or Zhengzhou East Railway Station to Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, taking CNY46.5-65.5 with a duration of 40 minutes. On the west of Longmen Rail Station, there is Longmen Transportation Center operating buses to Shanlin Temple departing at 09:00, 10:30, 14:30 and 16:30. The ticket fare is CNY 35 and the duration is about 1-1.5h.
Longmen Transportation Center can be easily reached by Luoyang metro line 2
See more Zhengzhou - Luoyang Train
From Luoyang: Direct Bus
Luoyang Bus Station near Luoyang Railway Station also operates buses to Shaolin Temple departing at 06:50, 07:45, 08:05, 08:50 09:50, 10:20, 11:30, 12:40, 13:40, 14:40, 16:30, 17:20, 17:50. The ticket costs CNY 25 and journey takes about 2 hours.
Shalin Temple is not the final destination of the buses, just one stop.
From Xi'an: Bullet Train + Bus
What to see nearby Shaolin Temple
You May Like
When is the last bus from Shaolin temple to Luoyang?
I also need to get direct bus back from Shaolin Temple to Longmen railway station. What time is the last bus?
How do I buy the bus tickets in advance?
There is no specific bus number. You can tell the bus staff you want to go to Shaolinsi (Shaolin Temple). The bus will drop you at the temple. The duration is about 2 hours and the ticket fare costs CNY 24.
There are also direct buses from Luoyang Longmen Bus Station, and the schedules are 9:00, 10:30, 14:30, and 16:30.