Are You a Kung Fu Fan? Interested in Chinese Chan Buddhism? Head to the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu and Chan Buddhism - the legendary Shaolin Temple!
Start your 1 Day Shaolin Temple Tour in Luoyang and enjoy a 1-hour drive to the world-renowned Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng city, where you can delve into the history and fascinating stories of Chan Buddhism. Explore the ancient Pagoda Forest, home to over 240 tomb pagodas, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Chinese martial arts. Witness an exhilarating Kung Fu performance that showcases the extraordinary skills of the Shaolin monks. After an exciting and enriching experience, you’ll be transferred back to Luoyang for your departure.

| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Luoyang | ||
| 1 | Dengfeng | Shaolin Temple, Pagoda Forest, Kung Fu Performance |
| Luoyang |
This morning, your local guide will meet you at the appointed location in Luoyang (hotel, railway station, or airport; tell us in advance).
You will then be transferred to the Shaolin Temple (60-70 km, about a 70-minute drive) in Dengfeng City, located to the east of Luoyang. The Shaolin Temple is renowned as the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu. It is also the location where the first martial arts film, Shaolin Temple (1982), starring Jet Li, was filmed. Here, you can immerse yourself in an incredible Kung Fu experience.
Upon arrival, you will first enjoy a Kung Fu performance at the Shaolin Martial Arts Hall, lasting about 30 minutes. Afterward, explore the Shaolin Temple complex, which consists of seven main halls along its central axis and seven additional halls surrounding them. The first hall, known as Shanmen or "Mountain Gate" Hall, features a large black tablet inscribed with the words "Shaolin Temple" in gold, written by the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. At the heart of the complex lies the Mahavira Hall, where daily prayers and significant ceremonies take place. The floor of this hall contains 50 small pits, believed to be the footprints left by monks practicing Kung Fu.
Next, visit the Pagoda Forest, also known as the "Museum of Ancient Chinese Pagoda Art." This area houses 241 tomb pagodas of varying sizes, dedicated to eminent monks, abbots, and high-ranking temple monks. The pagodas vary in size and are generally 1 to 7 stories high, with the tallest pagoda being no higher than 15 meters. The most famous of these are the Seven-story Pagodas. The forest, the largest of its kind in China, showcases diverse architectural styles spanning from the Tang to Qing Dynasties, offering a visual feast of history and culture.
After the tour, your 1-day Shaolin Kung Fu Tour concludes. Your guide and driver will escort you to the train station (or airport) in Luoyang for your onward high-speed train (or flight) to your next destination.
Optional Sanhuang Village Hiking (An Extra Day is Required)
For those who wish to go beyond the temples, this full-day trek through Sanhuang Village offers the most dramatic scenery in the Songshan range. You will marvel at the rare Shanshu (vertical) rock formations dating back 2.5 billion years. The hike takes you across a thrilling suspension bridge and along narrow planks clinging to the side of jagged cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Sea of Stone Forest. It is a rugged, soul-stirring escape that reveals the wild, untamed side of the cradle of Zen Buddhism.
Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China Henan tour! We are always here to assist you and look forward to seeing you again for your next trip to China/Asia!




Yes, a well-planned one-day itinerary is perfect for capturing the essence of the site. On a typical one-day Shaolin Kung Fu tour, you will have enough time to explore the main temple complex, walk through the historic Pagoda Forest, and watch a professional Shaolin monks show. Also leave a 1-hour window for a hands-on Shaolin Temple Kungfu Class, ensuring you experience both the history and the physical practice of the site.
The Shaolin monks' show is a high-energy, choreographed performance held at the Martial Arts Hall, showcasing elite skills, acrobatics, and "Hard Qigong"—it is primarily a visual feast for spectators. In contrast, a private Kung Fu session (a highlight of our Shaolin Temple Tours) is an interactive experience where you step onto the training mat. Under the guidance of an authentic Shifu (master), you will personally practice basic stances (Ma Bu), traditional punches, and breathing techniques to feel the internal power of Shaolin culture.
Absolutely. Our one-day Shaolin Kung Fu tour is specifically designed to bridge the gap between watching and doing. We allocate dedicated time for a 1-hour Shaolin Temple Kungfu Class led by local masters. This session is tailored for beginners, ensuring that even within a single day, you move beyond being a tourist and gain a physical connection to this ancient martial art.
Yes, the beauty of Shaolin Kung Fu lies in its balance of "hard" and "soft" techniques. During your Shaolin Temple Tour, the masters adapt the training to suit children, adults, and seniors alike. Whether it’s learning the agile "animal styles" or focusing on the meditative "Ba Duan Jin" (Eight Brocades) for health and longevity, the experience is inclusive and rewarding for everyone.
While the Shaolin monks' shows are held in the public Martial Arts Hall, your private session typically takes place in a quieter, more focused environment nearby or at an academy within the Shaolin scenic area. This ensures you have the space and direct attention



Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Henan Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>
Luoyang - Longmen Grottoes - Shaolin Temple - Luoyang
View DetailsLuoyang - Longmen Grottoes - Shaolin Temple - Luoyang
View DetailsZhengzhou - Kaifeng - Zhengzhou - Shaolin Temple - Luoyang
View DetailsLuoyang - Shaolin Temple - Zhengzhou - Kaifeng - Zhengzhou
View Details