The notebook of Songshan and Shaolin
Walk where the horizon opens.
Sacred mountain, monasteries and ancient observatory connect Buddhism, martial arts and science.
At your own pace
Identity summary
2 to 5 days
Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Recommended car
Mountain · Heritage · Forest
Variable accessibility
Modular rhythm
General presentation
Songshan and Shaolin
Sacred mountain, monasteries and ancient observatory connect Buddhism, martial arts and science.
To understand what Songshan and Shaolin are, you must look at the Shaolin Monastery, Shaolin Pagoda Forest and Gaocheng Observatory. These places give us a view of a territory marked by mountain reliefs, heritage and forests and allow us to move from emblematic sites to more intimate stages.
See all
For a stay of 2 to 5 days, it is better to balance visits and travel times. Also to be anticipated: conditions to be checked according to the season. A car is usually the easiest way to connect the different sectors. Accessibility varies from site to site and deserves to be verified step by step.
Strengths and constraints
Strengths
- Shaolin Monastery
- Shaolin Pagoda Forest
- Observatoire de Gaocheng
Before you choose
- Car often useful
- Conditions to be checked by season
Places worth visiting
A selection to start dreaming and organizing the stay — not an exhaustive list of everything there is to see.
World Heritage
Monuments historiques de Dengfeng au « centre du ciel et de la terre »
At the foot of Mount Song, Dengfeng brings together temples, ritual doors, observatory and monuments related to the Chinese idea of the cosmic center. The area speaks of both astronomy, imperial power, Taoism, Buddhism and martial arts, with the monastery of Shaolin as the most famous landmark.
Monastery
Shaolin Monastery
The Chan monastery is associated with the martial traditions of Shaolin. The place remains culturally sensitive and discovers with discretion, without hindering local practices; religious timetables, outfit and photographic rules are to be checked on site.
Place indismissible
Shaolin Pagoda Forest
Hundreds of funeral stupas commemorate the masters of the monastery. The place remains culturally sensitive and discovers with discretion, without hindering local practices; religious timetables, outfit and photographic rules are to be checked on the spot.
Place indismissible
Observatoire de Gaocheng
A monumental gnomon was used for astronomical measurements under the Yuan. An early-in-the-day visit allows you to better observe local usages and the details of the place, while avoiding some of the groups and traffic.
Practical tips
This information helps know if the destination matches the planned trip before starting a fuller search.
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More activities
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The nearest destinations
The closest ideas on the map, to extend your trip.
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