Shaolin Si 少林寺 Travel Guide

Shaolin Si is perhaps one of the best known Buddhist temples in China due to its association with martial arts. First constructed in 477 AD by the Emperor Xuanwu it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years, most famously by the Qing dynasty in 1644 for anti-government activities. Sacked again during the cultural revolution by red guards, the monastery is now undergoing a revival as the Chinese people rediscover a newfound pride in their history since the reform period began in the early 1980s. Shaolin Si is a full day trip from Luoyang and visited alongside the Longmen Grottoes.

To see (or even participate in!) a martial arts display and wander the forests, especially if you can get away from the crowds.

There are numerous temple complexes such as the Shanmen Hall and Hall of Heavenly Kings to name but a few. The Pagoda Forest is a surreal feature and was a graveyard for Buddhist dignitaries. On average, the pagodas average about 15 meters and the layer and the shape of a pagoda depends on factors such as status and attainment and prestige during life. If you are up for studying martial arts the Shaolin Temple Martial Art Training Centre may be for you although you will need a fair amount of time to complete a course.

Anyone with an interest in Martial Arts will enjoy a visit here. The nearby Longmen Grottoes are also a must, making a trip to this part of China highly worthwhile.

Unless you are signed up for a martial arts course here it is most likely that you will overnight in the nearby city of Luoyang. Here we recommend the superb Christian’s Hotel.

Click the boxes below to explore further styles of destination in China.

By Phil Stanley & Headseast – TCTC Destination Expert.