Things to Do in Zhengzhou

No.1: Shaolin Temple (Shaolinsi)

Type: Temple, Historical Site

Location: Songshan Mountain, Dengfeng 450000, China

Situated in the foothills of the west side of Mount Songshan, Shaolin Temple was the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu and many martial arts movies shooting site. Built in 495 AD and it became famous after Bodhidharma had come to teach “Zen”. Today there are three main areas to visit here and know the history of Shaolin Temple: Shaolin Temple Complex, the Pagoda Forest and Kung Fu Performance.

Pagoda Forest: one of the solemn place in Shaolin Temple, it is the biggest Monks Cemetery in the world with about 250 pagodas. These pagodas only have levels of odd numbers (1,3,5,7) up to 15 meters, with various shapes of square, round, rectangular, etc. which embodies the deceased’s status and achievement before his death in Buddhism.

No.2: Mount Song (Songshan)

Type: Mountain, Historical Site

Location: Northwest of Dengfeng City, Henan, China

As the sacred mountain of Taoist, Mount Song is one of the Five Famous Mountains in China, together with Mt. Huashan in Xian, Mt. Taishan in Shandong, Mt. Hengshan in Hunan and Mt. Hengshan in Shanxi. It contains 72 peaks spreading over two main parts: Taishi Mountain in the East side and Shaoshi Mountain in the West side, where the highest peak with 1512 altitude is located.

No.3: Songyang Academy

Type: Historical Site, Class Learning in Old Days

Location:Songshan Mountain, Dengfeng 450000, China

As one of the four ancient Song Dynasty Academies, Songyang Academy is the holy land of Confucianism and the school learning place. Back against the Shaoshi Mountain, it shares great views and quietness. You can visit the world's largest cypress and the largest monument-Sun Taichong induction monument to feel the long history and culture.

No.4: Zhongyue Temple

Type: Temple, Historical Site

Location:Songshan Mountain, Dengfeng 450000, China

Built in Qing Dynasty, Zhongyue Temple, a Taoist temple, was named as Taishi Temple is the largest temple in Henan, with its most complete ancient building complex. The well preserved temple architecture and structure make this temple imposing brilliant. There are over one hundred wood engraving and many historical stone tablet to visit.

No.5: Zhengzhou China International Shaolin Wushu Festival

Time: From Sept. to Oct.

Zhengzhou as the hometown of Shaolin Wushu (Martial Arts), have hold 9 times of Shaolin Wushu Festival since 1991 and this year will hold the 10th International Shaolin Wushu Festival during Sept. to Oct. (time can be vary in different year).

It is a grand ceremony to celebrate Chinese Shaolin Kong Fu and communicate Wushu Cultures with other countries. Tourists can appreciate the passionate opening ceremony and excellent Kong Fu demonstrations and kinds of Wushu performances.

For more activities in Zhengzhou Dengfeng, please read Featured Activities in Shaolin Temple.