How to Get to & around Dengfeng Shaolin Temple 2023
Where is Shaolin Temple Located? - Shaolin Temple China Location
Shaolin Temple (少林寺) lies in Shaoshi Mountain of Mount Song Scenic Area, about 15 km northwest of Dengfeng City, Zhengzhou City, central Henan Province. It is located approximately 55 km from Luoyang, 90 km from Zhengzhou, and 425 km from Xian and 800 km from Beijing.
Currently, there is no airport and train station near Shaolin Temple, therefore, the most convenient and cost-effective way to get to Shaolin Temple is taking bus from the Luoyang, Zhengzhou and Dengfeng. Travelers coming from destinations outside Henan can take flight or train (high speed bullet train is more recommended) to Luoyang and Zhengzhou first, and then transfer from the two popular gateways to Shaolin Temple easily. Below are useful Shaolin Temple arrival advice and tips for better planning your Shaolin Kung Fu tour.
Shaolin Temple China Location Map
Click to Jump to:
| Luoyang to Shaolin Temple | Zhengzhou to Shaolin Temple | Dengfeng to Shaolin Temple |
| Kaifeng to Shaolin Temple | Beijing to Shaolin Temple | Xian to Shaolin Temple |
| Get around Shaolin Temple |
Luoyang to Shaolin Temple
As an ancient Chinese capital of 13 dynasties, Luoyang in the west of Henan Province is best known for the magnificent Longmen Grottoes and China’s first Buddhist temple - White Horse Temple. Many tourists start their cultural exploration of Henan from Luoyang, for the influential Buddhist culture and grand peony festival. Luoyang is located 55 km northwest of Shaolin Temple. You have three different methods to reach Shaolin Temple from Luoyang.
By Private Transfer from China Discovery (Most Recommended)
Estimated Time: about 1.5 hours
If you travel with China Discovery, we can pick you up at Luoyang Beijiao Airport, Luoyang Railway Station, Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple and other attractions in Luoyang, and escort you to Shaolin Temple directly. Normally, it takes about 1.5 hours by private car and a little longer (possibly 1 hour 50 minutes) from the airport.
✔ 2 Days Luoyang Longmen Grottoes with Shaolin Temple Tour
✔ 3 Days Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Tour from Luoyang
By Bus
Estimated Time: about 2 hours
Luoyang Bus Station (洛阳汽车站) has direct buses to Shaolin Temple every day. The bus rides about 2 hours and the earliest bus departs at 08:10 in the morning. Luoyang Bus Station is situated next to Luoyang Railway Station, about 16 km (40 minutes by taxi) from Longmen Grottoes, 18 km (40 minutes by taxi) from White Horse Temple and 14 km (nearly half an hour’ driving) from Luoyang Longmen Railway Station.
By Train + Taxi/Charted Bus
Estimated Time: about 1 hours 15 minutes
Gongyi South Railway Station is the closest train station to Shaolin Temple. That means, you can firstly take a high speed train to Gongyi South Railway Station from Luoyang Longmen Railway Station for about 14 minutes. And then, you need to take a taxi or charter a bus to Shaolin Temple with 1 more hour’s journey.
Tips 1.) Every day, there are nearly 10 high speed trains leaving from Luoyang Longmen Railway Station to Gongyi South Railway Station, departing between about 07:40 and 18:30. 2.) Gongyi South Railway Station is a small train station located remotely about 35 km from Shaolin Temple. You will probably fail to find a taxi or bus after arrival.
Useful Links:
>> Luoyang to Shaolin Temple Transportation
>> Luoyang to Gongyi South Railway Station Train Schedule
China Discovery Customized Shaolin Temple Tour for Canadian Couple
Luoyang Bus Station
Luoyang to Shaolin Temple Transportation Map (click to enlarge)
Zhengzhou to Shaolin Temple
With Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport - the biggest and busiest airport in Henan and one of the major air portals to central China and well-developed railway network, Zhengzhou serves as a main transport hub in Henan and central part of China. Comparing with public transportation costing more time and energy, the fast and convenient transfer service packed from China Discovery is highly suggested for traveling from Zhengzhou to Shaolin Temple.
By Bus
Estimated Time: about 2 hours
Zhengzhou Long-distance Bus Center Station dispatches direct buses to Shaolin Temple per day. The first bus leaves at 08:00 and the entire journey needs nearly 2 hours. The bus station is located within walking distance from the East Square of Zhengzhou Railway Station, about 4 km/ 15 minutes’ driving from downtown area, almost 37 km/45 minutes’ driving from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport and 14 km/40 minutes’ driving from Zhengzhou East Railway Station.
By Train + Taxi/Bus
Estimated Time: about 1.5 hours
From Zhengzhou East Railway Station, you can take high speed train to Gongyi South Railway Station after around 30 minutes’ ride. The train departs from Zhengzhou from 08:30 to 21:30. Upon arrival, you need to take additional 1 hour’s transfer to Shaolin Temple.
Useful Links:
>> Zhengzhou to Shaolin Temple Transportation
>> Zhengzhou to Gongyi South Railway Station Trains
✔ 2 Days Shaolin Kung Fu Tour from Zhengzhou
✔ 3 Days Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes Tour from Zhengzhou
Zhengzhou Long-distance Bus Center Station (near Zhengzhou Railway Station)
Zhengzhou to Shaolin Temple Transportation Map (click to enlarge)
Dengfeng to Shaolin Temple
Estimated Time: about 30 ~ 40 minutes
Dengfeng is a county-level city located in the southwest of Zhengzhou, southern foot of Mount Song. Dengfeng has no airport and train station, and can only be reached by bus from Zhengzhou, Luoyang and other cities within Henan Province. If you miss the direct train to Shaolin Temple from Luoyang, or Zhengzhou, you can take a bus to Dengfeng first, and then transfer from Dengfeng to Shaolin Temple at a short distance of 15 km only.
Driving from Dengfeng city center to Shaolin Temple takes about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, there are also direct buses from Dengfeng West Bus Station (登封西站) to Shaolin Temple, spending about 20 minutes.
✔ 3 Days In-depth Dengfeng Shaolin Kung Fu Tour
Know more Popular Dengfeng Shaolin Temple Tours!
Dengfeng Bus Station
Kaifeng to Shaolin Temple
Kaifeng is around 165 km northeast of Shaolin Temple. Private driving requires 2 hours or so. At present, there is no direct bus running from Kaifeng to Shaolin Temple, so you have to transfer via Zhengzhou, Dengfeng or Gongyi.
Route 1: Kaifeng-Zhengzhou-Shaolin Temple
● Kaifeng-Zhengzhou (about 85 km): 25 minutes by high speed train (Kaifeng North Railway Station-Zhengzhou East Railway Station); 1 hour by normal train (Kaifeng Railway Station-Zhengzhou Railway Station); 1 -3 hours by bus.
● Zhengzhou-Shaolin Temple (about 90 km): 2 hours by bus; 1.5 hours by train plus taxi.
Route 2: Kaifeng-Dengfeng-Shaolin Temple
● Kaifeng-Dengfeng (about 150 km): bus from Kaifeng Bus Center Station to Dengfeng Bus Station takes about 2.5 hours; private car needs nearly 2 hours 10 minutes.
● Dengfeng-Shaolin Temple (about 15 km): 30 minutes by private car; 40 minutes by bus
Kaifeng Railway Station
Beijing to Shaolin Temple
Shaolin Temple is located about 800 km southwest of Beijing. So far, there is no direct flight, train or bus to Shaolin Temple from Beijing. Most travelers thus choose to transit via Luoyang and Zhengzhou, even make a short layover tour in Luoyang for the Longmen Grottoes. Depending on your itinerary, you can select a more suitable route for your Shaolin Temple tour. More about Beijing to Shaolin Temple Transportation >>
Option 1: Beijing-Zhengzhou-Shaolin Temple
▶ Beijing to Zhengzhou: 2 hours by flight (Beijing Capital International Airport/Beijing Daxing International Airport-Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, 3 flights per day); 2.5 -3.5 hours by high speed train (Beijing West Railway Station-Zhengzhou East Railway Station, about 60 trains); 6-8.5 by normal train (Beijing West Railway Station-Zhengzhou Railway Station, about 30 trains)
Useful Links: Beijing to Zhengzhou Flight Schedule / Beijing to Zhengzhou Trains
▶ Zhengzhou to Shaolin Temple: 2 hours by bus/private car
Option 2: Beijing-Luoyang-Shaolin Temple
▶ Beijing to Luoyang: about 2 hours by flight (Beijing Daxing International Airport – Luoyang Beijiao Airport, 2 flights per day); about 4-4.5 hours by high speed train (Beijing West Railway Station-Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, over 10 trains per day); 7-11 hours by normal train (Beijing West Railway Station-Luoyang Railway Station, over 5 trains per day)
Useful Links: Beijing to Luoyang Flight Schedule / Beijing to Luoyang Train Schedule
▶ Luoyang to Shaolin Temple: about 1.5 hours by private car, 2 hours by bus
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport
Beijing to Shaolin Temple Transportation Map (click to enlarge)
Xian to Shaolin Temple
Xian lies around 425 km west of Shaolin Temple. There are no direct flights to Luoyang or Zhengzhou, so tourists only have to take train to Luoyang or Zhengzhou for getting to Shaolin Temple. More about Xian to Shaolin Temple Transportation >>
Option 1: Xian-Luoyang-Shaolin Temple
▶ Xian to Luoyang: about 1.5 hours by high speed train (Xian North Railway Station-Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, over 75 trains per day); around 4.5-5.5 hours by normal train (Xian Railway Station to Luoyang Railway Station, over 30 trains per day)
Useful Link: Xian to Luoyang Train Schedule
▶ Luoyang to Shaolin Temple: about 1.5 hours by car, 2 hours by bus
Option 2: Xian-Zhengzhou-Shaolin Temple
▶ Xian to Zhengzhou: 2-2.5 hours by high speed train (Xian North Railway Station-Zhengzhou East Railway Station/Zhengzhou Railway Station, over 90 trains per day); 6-8 hours by normal train (Xian Railway Station-Zhengzhou Railway Station, nearly 30 trains per day)
Useful Link: Xian to Zhengzhou Train Schedule
▶ Zhengzhou to Shaolin Temple: about 2 hours by car/bus
✔ 6 Days Xian Luoyang Highlights Tour with Sidetrips to Mount Hua & Shaolin Temple
✔ 10 Days China Culture Tour plus Shaolin Kung Fu Experience
Luoyang Longmen Railway Station
Xian to Shaolin Temple Transportation Map (click to enlarge)
Get around Shaolin Temple
To Other Sites in Shaolin Temple:
Shaolin Temple consists of three parts: the main hall (sometimes called Changzhu Courtyard, 常住院), Pagoda Forest (塔林) and Chuzu Temple (初祖庵). After visiting the temple architecture complex, you can go 300 meters westward to the Pagoda Forest which is the burial area of previous Shaolin Temple monks. It has totally 241 tombs (the largest number in China) built in different size and dynasties from Tang, Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Chuzu Temple is about 1 km northwest of Shaolin Temple, about 15 minutes’ walking. This temple was originally constructed in Song Dynasty, around 900 years ago to commemorate Bodhidharma. Now it preserves a Mountain Gate, some pavilions, Thousand Buddha Hall and the Main Hall (one of the oldest existing wooden structure in Henan Province).
Bodhidharma Cave is about 2 km northwest of Shaolin Temple, hiking there takes about 30 minutes. It is a small stone cave said to be the location where Bodhidharma meditated for 9 years.
To Other Sites in Mount Song:
Mount Song is made up of Taishi Mountain and Shaoshi Mountain, and includes three scenic areas: Shaolin Temple (the core), Zhongyue and Songyang Scenic Resorts.
Zhongyue Scenic Attractions: Zhongyue Temple, Astronomical Observation, Taishique Tower and Luya Waterfall.
Songyang Scenic Attractions: Songyang Academy, Songyue Temple Pagoda, Junjifeng Mountain, Laomu Cave, Fawang Temple, Huishan Temple and Qimuque Tower.
Shaolin Temple-Sanhuang Village Scenic Resort (Sanhuangzhia, 三皇寨): Walk 1 km, about 15 minutes to Songshan Shaolin Cableway Station, where you can a take cable car up the mountain.
Shaolin Temple-Songyang Academy: the school is about 13 km, 30 minutes driving
Shaolin Temple-Fawang Temple: about 16 km, 30 minutes by car
Pagoda Forest of Shaolin Temple
Shaolin Temple Travel Map (click to enlarge)
Sanhuang Village Scenic Resort
How to Plan Your Dengfeng Shaolin Temple Tour
How to Get to Dengfeng Shaolin Temple: Usually take private car from Luoyang (about 1.5 hours) or Zhengzhou (about 2 hours); or take direct bus from Luoyang (about 2 hours) and Zhengzhou (around 1.5 hours)
Top Things to Do in Shaolin Temple: See ancient Buddhist architectures; watch Shaolin Kung Fu Show; join Shaolin Kung Fu Training Program
Where to Stay During Shaolin Temple Tour: Most tourists accommodate in hotels in Dengfeng City while Shaolin Kung Fu learners can stay in Kung Fu school with basic facilities.
After arrival from Luoyang or Zhengzhou, ordinary tourists usually spend one day visiting Shaolin Temple - a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage and the birthplace of Chinese Buddhist Zen and Chinese Kung Fu (Martial Arts). One-day Shaolin Temple tour is a classic itinerary covering the best essence, which takes you to admire the sacred shrine with 7 courtyards, the Pagoda Forest and lots of ancient architectures. Besides the sightseeing, you can also watch a wonderful Shaolin Kung Fu show and even join in a short-period Kung Fu training class to learn some basic styles. Love nature and physical condition allows? Take half a day more to do an excursion on Sanhuang Village of Mount Song, walk on the amazing roads cliffside and witness unique mountain landform. (If you or your kids plan to take a longer Kung Fu learning near Shaolin Temple, you can also contact us to get more recommendations.)
✔ 2 Days Shaolin Temple Tour from Zhengzhou
✔ 3 Days In-depth Shaolin Kung Fu Class Tour
If you have one more day and are quite interested in ancient Chinese culture, Luoyang is another must-visit destination in Henan (if you haven’t visited). The awesome Longmen Grottoes stretching by the riverside and China’s first Buddhist temple - White Horse Temple are iconic sites for your Luoyang tour. Still, there are many remarkable cultural and natural sights in Henan worthy your exploration, including the spectacular Yuntai Mountain, mysterious Guoliang Village, interesting Yin Ruins of Anyang, ancient capital Kaifeng, etc. Finishing your Henan tour, you may extend your journey to Beijing, Xian and other major destinations in China as you want. You can choose from our most popular China Shaolin Temple tour packages or contact us to customize a trip based on your requirements.
✔ 3 Days Shaolin Kung Fu Tour including Luoyang Highlights
✔ 8 Days China Ancient Capitals Tour (Beijing/Luoyang/Xian)
✔ 11 Days Essence of China Culture Tour by High Speed Trains
✔ 15 Days China Kungfu Panda Family Tour
Our Customers visited Pagoda Forest of Shaolin Temple
Our Customers Visited Luoyang Longmen Grottoes
Get Inspired by Real Travel Stories of Our Customers
Shaolin Temple and nearby Luoyang are very popular with our customers. Since 2012, we have helped thousands of customers visited the region successfully. With our fully-inclusive tour packages, all of our customers enjoyed their trips to magnificent Longmen Grottoes, legendary Shaolin Temple, educational Luoyang Museum, beautiful Yuntain Mountain, etc. Some of them even had the rare opportunities to take part in the grand International Peony Festival in Luoyang. Many customers suggest visit Luoyang with Beijing, Xian, Pingyao and Shandong in northern China to explore authentic Chinese culture. Below are some inspiring travel stories:
★ Cultural Immersion Trip in Ancient Capitals of China （Beijing - Taiyuan - Pingyao - Xian - Luoyang - Dengfeng - Zhengzhou - Kaifeng - Qufu - Mount Tai - Beijing）
★ Sweet Couple's 21-Day Northern China Exploration （Beijing - Datong - Mount Wutai - Pingyao - Xian - Luoyang - Jinan - Taian - Qufu - Beijing - Chengde - Beijing）
★ 19 China Trips of Vijay’s People - Spreading around Family & Friends of Wonder’s Good Service (Beijing / Luoyang / Xian / Chengdu/ Guangzhou / Guilin)
★ Sucking Cultural Fragrance from Time-honored Architectures (Kathmandu - Kunming - Lhasa - Shigatse - Xian - Luoyang - Pingyao - Datong)
Read more China travel stories > or find recommended similar tours>.
Our Delighted Customers
- Shaolin Temple Tour Packages
- 2 Days Shaolin Temple Tour from Zhengzhou
- 3 Days Shaolin Temple Longmen Grottoes Tour
- 3 Days Shaolin Kung Fu Tour including Luoyang Highlights
- 3 Days Luoyang Shaolin Temple Mount Song Hiking Tour
- 6 Days Henan Highlights Tour
Top Dengfeng Shaolin Temple Tours
Helpful Dengfeng Shaolin Temple Travel Guide
- How to Plan Shaolin Temple Trip
- Shaolin Kung Fu Training
- Top Attractions in Dengfeng
- Shaolin Temple
- Mount Song
- Shaolin Kung Fu Shows
- Luoyang to Shaolin Temple
- Zhengzhou to Shaolin Temple
- Beijing to Shaolin Temple
- Xian to Shaolin Temple
- Where to Stay around Shaolin Temple
- Dengfeng Weather & Seasons
- Shaolin Temple Travel Maps
- More Travel Guide
Recommended Shaolin Temple Tours
Top 3 Shaolin Temple tours chosen by most customers to explore Shaolin Temple in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.
- 3 Days In-depth Shaolin Kung Fu Class Tour
Zhengzhou / Dengfeng / Zhengzhou
- 3 Days Shaolin Temple Longmen Grottoes Tour from Zhengzhou
Zhengzhou / Shaolin Temple / Luoyang
- 3 Days Shaolin Kung Fu Tour including Luoyang Highlights
Luoyang / Dengfeng / Luoyang
Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.
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Questions & Discussions
Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.
Good morning from China. Actually, Shaolin Temple is located within Mong Song at the foot of Wuru Peak. Yes, you can use the same transportation to as Mr.Vajira used to get to Mount Song. To explore some highlighted attractions in Zhengzhou city, you can visit Yellow River Scenic Area, Henan Museum, Erqi Memorial Tower, etc. If you want, you can book Zhengzhou hotels with us or on other online hotel booking website.
For more questions and help, please feel free to contact us. Wish you have a nice trip in China!
Thanks for your question. Since you want to get from Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport to Zhengzhou downtown area to take long distance bus to Shaolin Temple, you can take the airport shuttle no.2 route to get off Zhengzhou Hotel an walk a short distance to Zhengzhou Bus Station. Actually, the distance between Zhengzhou Airport and Zhengzhou Bus Station is about 40km, if you take taxi, it may cost around 100 Yuan.
China Discovery is here providing worry free vacation all around China. If you need any tour & help in Zhengzhou and Shaolin Temple, please feel free to contact us.
Have a nice day!
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