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Shaolin Temple Location Map: Where is Shaolin Temple Located
Shaolin Temple is located in Dengfeng City, Henan Province, in central China, positioned between Luoyang and Zhengzhou. It is situated 60 kilometers northwest of Luoyang and 90 kilometers northeast of Zhengzhou. Whether departing from Luoyang or Zhengzhou, Shaolin Temple is an excellent one-day excursion destination.
Founded in the year 495 AD, Shaolin Temple was built to accommodate the Indian Buddhist missionary monk Bodhidharma by the emperor of the Northern Wei Dynasty (with its capital in Luoyang). Situated amidst the dense forests of Mount Song in the hinterlands of Shaoshi Mountain, it was named "Shaolin Temple."
Shaolin Temple Tourist Map
A detailed and up-to-date Shaolin Temple tourist map will make your journey to the Shaolin Temple easier and more reassuring. The following Shaolin Temple tourist map was created by Asia Odyssey Travel based on feedback from domestic and international tourists visiting the Shaolin Temple. Please follow our Shaolin Temple map to plan a journey to the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province.
The Shaolin Temple complex comprises several key attractions, including the Shaolin Martial Arts School (Hall of Martial Arts), the Monastic Quarters (Monastery), Pagoda Forest, Ancestor's Ancestral Hall, Bodhidharma Cave, and more.
The Hall of Martial Arts (演武厅) is a major highlight of the Shaolin scenic area, gathering numerous martial arts experts to present you with spectacular martial arts performances. Here, you can witness a variety of Shaolin martial arts demonstrations, such as Long Fist(长拳), Hard Qigong (硬气功), and more. The performers are mostly students from martial arts schools.
The Monastic Quarters (常住院), positioned against the mountainside and oriented north to south, represent the central structures of Shaolin Temple. This area features the Mountain Gate, Heavenly Kings Hall, Mahavira Hall, Dharma Hall, Abbot's Room, Lixue Pavilion, and Thousand Buddha Hall along a central axis, spanning seven consecutive courtyards. Dating back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, these buildings exude grandeur and magnificence.
The Pagoda Forest (塔林) serves as the final resting place for revered monks over the centuries, encompassing an area of about 20,000 square meters and housing 231 tomb pagodas from various historical periods, including the Tang, Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming, Qing, and modern eras.
Constructed during the Song Dynasty, the Ancestor's Ancestral Hall (初祖庵) pays homage to Bodhidharma, the "First Patriarch of Zen Buddhism." This area includes structures such as the Mountain Gate, Main Hall, Facing-Wall Pavilion, and Thousand Buddha Pavilion.
Tucked behind the temple, the Bodhidharma Cave (达摩洞) is a natural cavern among the Five Breast Peaks. Legend has it that Bodhidharma, the First Patriarch of Zen Buddhism, meditated facing the wall in this cave for an extensive period of nine years.
Shaolin Temple Travel Map
Luoyang to Shaolin Temple Map
Luoyang serves as the primary gateway to the Shaolin Temple. Regardless of whether your journey originates from Beijing or Xi'an, you will first need to reach Luoyang and then transfer to the temple. The distance from downtown Luoyang to the Shaolin Temple is approximately 60 km, which can be covered in a 1.5-hour drive.
Luoyang to Shaolin Temple: How to Get to Shaolin Temple from Luoyang
Zhengzhou to Shaolin Temple Map
Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province, also provides a route to the Shaolin Temple. Located 100 km away, the journey from Zhengzhou to the temple typically takes around 2 hours.
Zhengzhou to Shaolin Temple: How to Get to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou
Xian to Shaolin Temple Map
Starting from Xi'an, you can reach Luoyang via a high-speed train in just 1.5 hours. From Luoyang, a private car ride to the Shaolin Temple takes an additional 1.5 hours.
Beijing to Shaolin Temple Map
Starting from Beijing, you can reach Luoyang via a high-speed train in about 4.5 hours. From Luoyang, a private car ride to the Shaolin Temple takes an additional 1.5 hours.
Shaolin Temple Tour Map: How to Plan a Shaolin Temple Tour from Xi’an
For a comprehensive visit to the Shaolin Temple, we recommend commencing your journey from Xi'an. Allocate 1-2 days in Xi'an to delve into its historical treasures, including the ancient city wall, the vibrant Muslim Quarter with the Great Mosque, the Terracotta Warriors, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City.
Subsequently, board a high-speed train from Xi'an to Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, a swift journey lasting just 1.5 hours. In Luoyang, immerse yourself in the wonders of the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, the serene White Horse Temple, and the charming Luoyang Old Town, all encapsulating the essence of this ancient capital.
Conclude your itinerary by making your way to the Shaolin Temple, completing a fulfilling exploration of these historically rich and culturally significant sites along your journey.
Here is the suggested day-by-day itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Xi’an, City exploration
Arrive in Xi'an and check into your hotel. Visit the ancient City Wall and explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter.
Day 2: Xi’an sightseeing
Explore the Terracotta Army Museum, one of China's most famous archaeological sites. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Enjoy a traditional dumpling dinner and Tang Dynasty Show in the evening.
Day 3: Xi’an to Luoyang, Longmen Grottoes
Take an early high-speed train from Xi’an North Railway Station to Luoyang Longmen Railway Station. Upon arrival in Luoyang, visit the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through Luoyang Old Town and sample local cuisine.
Day 4: Luoyang to Shaolin Temple
Start the day with a morning visit to the White Horse Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China. Then head to the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng. Explore the Shaolin Temple complex, watch a Kung Fu performance, and visit the Pagoda Forest.
Explore Shaolin Temple in Henan with Asia Odyssey Travel
Asia Odyssey Travel stands as your premier gateway to the wonders of Shaolin Temple in Henan, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to enrich your experience. As a trusted local partner, we provide in-depth insights into the history and significance of Shaolin Temple through the expertise of our professional English-speaking guides. Additionally, if you wish to explore other gems in Henan such as Luoyang or Kaifeng, our agency is equipped to curate bespoke tours to suit your preferences.
- Our Henan Tour Packages Include: Luoyang Tours, Henan Tours, Shaolin Temple Tours, Zhengzhou Tours
- Our meticulously crafted Henan travel maps include: Luoyang Tourist Map, Shaolin Temple Map, Zhengzhou City Map, Henan Province Map
- Our wealthy Henan travel information include: Luoyang Attractions, Henan Attractions, Best Time to Visit Luoyang, Luoyang to Shaolin Tempel, Zhengzhou to Luoyang Temple, Beijing to Luoyang Train, Xian to Luoyang Train
Let Asia Odyssey Travel guide you through Henan's extraordinary legacy, where history and culture come alive. Create unforgettable memories as you uncover the heart of China's ancient civilization with us.
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