Shaolin Temple is about 70 kilometers southeast of Luoyang, Henan Province. It’s ideal for planning a day trip. Known for its deep roots in Chan Buddhism and Chinese Kung Fu, the temple offers more than history. You could enjoy a spiritual journey wrapped in stillness and tradition.
This guide will show you how to get there, what to see, and how to plan your perfect 1-day trip.
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How to Get from Luoyang to Shaolin Temple
Transport options from Luoyang to Shaolin Temple (in Dengfeng) are limited. The most common choices are private car or long-distance bus. For comfort and time-saving, a private transfer is highly recommended.
By Car (Recommended):
The drive from Luoyang Longmen Station to the Shaolin Temple takes around 1⅓ hours. Booking a private tour and going by car is the most efficient and relaxing way to Shaolin Temple.
By Bus:
There are long-distance buses from Luoyang Railway Station to Shaolin Temple. The journey takes about 2 hours. A one-way ticket costs around 3 USD or 4 SGD.
Shaolin Trip Itinerary Suggestions
A day trip from Luoyang to Shaolin Temle is feasible. We suggest depart from your hotel at 8am. You will arrive at Shaolin temple at 9:30 am. The whole visit in Shaolin Temple would take about 3-4 hours.
The Shaolin Scenic Area has two entrances: the Shaolin Temple gate and the Sanhuangzhai trail. For a smooth visit without long and tiring hiking, especially if you're traveling with children or older family members, we suggest start from the Shaolin Temple gate.
You can get around by shuttle bus, which connects all the main sights. The distances are short. Walking between spots usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You can choose to walk or take the bus, depending on your preference.
Ticket tips：It’s best to buy your tickets online in advance. Our guide can help arrange everything for you.
1st Stop: The “Foremost Buddhist Temple under Heaven” Archway (10 mins)
Start your visit with a photo at the iconic archway inscribed with “天下第一名刹” near the entrance. This title was granted by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, honors Shaolin Temple as the foremost Buddhist temple in China.
Foremost Buddhist Temple under Heaven Archway2nd Stop: Shaolin Martial Arts Training Center (1 hour)
Just a short walk, around 800 meters, takes you to the Shaolin Martial Arts Training Center. The free Kungfu performances are popular, and seating is limited inside. You should arrive at least 30 minutes earlier to find a good seat with excellent view.
Our guide can reserve seats for you in advance and help you skip the lines. You might catch the performance at 10:30-11:00.
Performance Schedule:
- Morning: 9:30–10:00, 10:30–11:00, 11:30–12:00
- Afternoon: 14:00–14:30, 15:00–15:30
The performers include both Shaolin monks and martial arts students. You’ll see demonstrations of traditional fist routines, staff techniques, and hard qigong.
Instead of just watching these skills on screen, you may be invited up on stage. This is your chance to admire the power of Kungfu up close and even try a few moves yourself.
The monks are performingIf you’re especially interested in martial arts, we could arrange a one-on-one Kungfu lesson with a real Shaolin master. Your “Master Shifu” will be waiting under the temple eaves to teach you a complete set of basic moves.
This is not just a lesson at a nearby school, but a rare chance to feel the true spirit of Shaolin Kungfu in the place where it was born. Let the strength of Kung Fu and the calm of Zen awaken something in you. It will be an unforgettable and meaningful part of your journey.
Kids practicing in the temple3rd Stop: Shaolin Temple-Main Area (1-1.5 hours)
From the Shaolin Martial Arts Training Center, it’s about a 900-meter walk to the Shaolin Temple. Here, you’ll step into a world rich with history and legend.
Unlike visiting on your own or with a regular tour guide, we will arrange for a monk from the temple to guide you. This gives you a rare chance to gain a deeper and more authentic understanding of life at Shaolin.
The monk will lead you through the main halls and courtyards, sharing stories about the temple's past and the daily practice of Shaolin monks. The peaceful setting offers a quiet moment for both reflection and learning about Buddhist culture.
Shaolin Temple-Main AreaYou may find paid Kung Fu shows near the temple, but we recommend skipping them, as the performances are similar to the free ones at the Shaolin Martial Arts Training Center. The stage setup near the temple is also quite basic and less engaging.
Things to remember when visiting the temple:
- Avoid stepping on thresholds or taking photos of Buddha statues, as these are considered disrespectful.
- Dress modestly and appropriately.
- For single men, it’s believed that taking photos with the famous thousand-year-old red leaf tree might affect your chances of finding a partner.
4th Stop: Pagoda Forest (20 minutes)
Walk straight for about 400 meters to reach Pagoda Forest, the final stop of your visit. The Pagoda Forest is the burial ground of generations of Shaolin monks and abbots.
Since the Tang Dynasty, 241 stone pagodas have been built here, showing a wide range of Buddhist architectural styles from different periods and areas.
This place is quiet and shaded by pine trees, with a secluded vibe. Slow your pace, reflect, and learn the spiritual legacy of Shaolin.
Tip: Photography is allowed, but avoid taking selfies or posing with the pagodas. It’s considered disrespectful and may go against local customs.
If You Want to Hike
From Pagoda Forest, walk about 500 meters to reach the Shaolin Cableway. Take the cable car up the mountain, then hike down through the Shaoshi Mountain area of Songshan.
The full hike takes around 3 to 4 hours. If you decide to go hiking, you’ll likely leave the Shaolin Temple area around 5 to 6 pm.
Along the way, you’ll pass sites like Shuce Cliff, the Cliffside Walkway, Liantian Grand Canyon, Sky Bridge, One-Line Sky, Nantian Gate, and Hero Slope. The hike ends at Hero Slope, where you can catch a shuttle bus to the Sanhuangzhai exit.
The trail is moderate in difficulty. Most visitors can complete it without problem. The mountain views are stunning and well worth the effort. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Songshan.
Back to Luoyang
Take the shuttle bus back to the main entrance. From there, drive back to Luoyang (about 1⅓ hours). You’ll likely be back in the city around 2 pm.
If you want to make the most of your afternoon, consider visiting a nearby spot around Longmen Station, such as Luoyang Museum (15 minutes by car), or the White Horse Temple (40 minutes by car). You will need around 2 to 4 hours to explore one of these places.
The Great Buddha Hall of the White Horse TempleIf you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can return to your hotel for a short rest. In the evening, take a stroll through Luoyang's Old Town to enjoy the local atmosphere and find something to eat.
Luoyang's Old TownYou can spend the night in Luoyang around Longmen Station or catch a high-speed train to your next destination. If you plan to leave Luoyang after visiting, it’s best to book a ticket for after 5:00 pm. This gives you more flexibility and helps avoid the risk of missing your train.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is mild and pleasant, with fewer rainy days (around 5 days per month), perfect for outdoor activities.
- In spring, you'll enjoy the vibrant greenery of the trees and the lush beauty of Songshan Mountain.
- In autumn, the ancient trees around Shaolin Temple turn a stunning golden, offering a beautiful sight.
Autumn Leaves in Shaolin TempleAvoid summer (July to August), as it’s the peak tourist season with large crowds and hot, humid weather.
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