Are you planning a trip to Shaolin Temple from Beijing? If so, you’re in for an unforgettable experience! Home to legendary Shaolin Kung Fu and rich Buddhist history, the temple is one of China’s most iconic cultural sites.
But how do you get there? With multiple travel options—including high-speed trains 🚄, regular overnight train, long-distance buses 🚌, flights ✈️, and even self-driving 🚗—choosing the best way can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry! This guide covers everything you need to know about Beijing to Shaolin Temple transportation options, including travel times, costs, and tips to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
Let’s dive in!
1. Where is Shaolin Temple? 📍
Shaolin Temple 🏯 is located in Dengfeng, Henan Province, about 750 km (466 miles) southwest of Beijing. The temple sits at the foot of Song Mountain (Mount Song) ⛰, one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains.
Address: Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area, G207, Dengfeng City, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
河南省郑州市登封市G207嵩山少林风景区📞 Phone: +86 371-62748971
The nearest major cities are:
- Zhengzhou 郑州 (approx. 90 km from Shaolin Temple) – Best for flights ✈️ and train connections.
- Luoyang 洛阳 (approx. 89 km from Shaolin Temple) – A great stop for history lovers.
Since there’s no direct transport from Beijing to Shaolin Temple, you’ll need to transfer in either Zhengzhou or Luoyang before taking a bus or taxi to the temple.
2. Best Time to Visit Shaolin Temple
When is the best time to visit Shaolin Temple? While the temple is open year-round, some seasons offer better weather and fewer crowds.
🌸 Spring (March – May) → Best Weather!
- Mild temperatures (10-25°C) ☀️
- Flowers bloom around Mount Song 🌿
- Fewer crowds compared to summer
☀️ Summer (June – August) → Peak Season & Crowded
- Hot & humid (25-35°C) ☀️🔥
- Best time for Shaolin Kung Fu performances 🥋
- Expect large crowds, especially in July & August
🍁 Autumn (September – November) → Ideal for Hikers
- Cool & comfortable (10-20°C) 🍂
- Beautiful autumn foliage around the temple 🍁
- Great for hiking & photography 📸
❄️ Winter (December – February) → Quiet & Serene
- Cold (-5 to 10°C) ❄️
- Fewer tourists = peaceful experience
- Some outdoor activities may be closed
3. Travel Options to Get to Shaolin Temple from Beijing
Now, let’s explore the best ways to travel from Beijing to Shaolin Temple!
Option 1: High-Speed Train 🚄 + Bus 🚌 (Most Convenient)
This is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Shaolin Temple. You can take a high-speed train from Beijing to either Luoyang or Zhengzhou, then transfer to a bus or taxi to reach the temple.
Route 1: Beijing → Luoyang → Shaolin Temple
1️⃣ Take a high-speed train 🚄 (e.g., G807, G87) from Beijing West Railway Station 🏢 to Luoyang Longmen Station 🚉.
- ⏳ Duration: 3-4 hours
- 💰 Ticket Price: ¥430
2️⃣ From Luoyang Longmen Station 🚉, take a taxi 🚕 or bus 🚌 to Luoyang Bus Station 🏢, then board a tourist bus 🚌 to Shaolin Temple 🏯.
- ⏳ Duration: About 2 hours
- 💰 Ticket Price: ¥18
Route 2: Beijing → Zhengzhou → Shaolin Temple
1️⃣ Take a high-speed train 🚄 (e.g., G651, G661) from Beijing West Railway Station 🏢 to Zhengzhou East Railway Station 🚉.
- ⏳ Duration: 4-5 hours
- 💰 Ticket Price: ¥368
2️⃣ From the Long-distance Bus Centre at Zhengzhou East Railway Station 🚉, take a direct shuttle bus 🚌 to Shaolin Temple 🏯, or first to Dengfeng City (登封市） where you take the local bus to the nearby Shaolin Temple.
- ⏳ Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
- 💰 Ticket Price: ¥32
Option 2: Long-Distance Bus 🚌 (Budget-Friendly but Long Travel Time)
There’s no direct bus from Beijing to Shaolin Temple, but you can take a long-distance bus to Zhengzhou or Luoyang, then transfer.
Route 1: Beijing → Zhengzhou → Shaolin Temple
1️⃣ Take a long-distance bus 🚌 from Beijing to Zhengzhou 🏢.
- ⏳ Duration: About 8 hours
- 💰 Ticket Price: ¥150
2️⃣ From Zhengzhou Bus Center 🏢, take a direct bus 🚌 to Shaolin Temple 🏯.
- ⏳ Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
- 💰 Ticket Price: ¥32
Option 3: Flight ✈️ + Bus 🚌 (Fast but Expensive)
Flying is the quickest way to reach Zhengzhou or Luoyang, but you’ll still need to take a bus or taxi to Shaolin Temple.
Route 1: Beijing → Zhengzhou → Shaolin Temple
1️⃣ Fly from Beijing ✈️ to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport 🛬.
- ⏳ Flight Time: 2 hours
- 💰 Ticket Price: ¥300-600
2️⃣ Take an airport bus 🚌 to Zhengzhou Railway Station, then transfer to a direct bus 🚌 to Shaolin Temple 🏯.
Option 4: Beijing 🚗 Shaolin Temple Self-Driving
Route: Start from Beijing, drive south along the Jinggang’ao Expressway (G4), pass through Zhengzhou, then switch to the Zhengshao-Luoyang Expressway. The total distance is approximately 785 km, with a driving time of 8-9 hours.
Estimated Costs:
- 🛣 Toll fees: Around ¥300
- ⛽ Fuel costs: Around ¥500 (varies by vehicle type)
4. Shaolin Temple Entrance Fees & Opening Hours
- 🕒 Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:30
- 🎫 Entrance Fee: ¥80 per person
Additionally, if you’d like to take the cable car 🚠, it costs ¥60. The sightseeing shuttle bus 🚌 is ¥15 one-way or ¥25 round-trip.
Ticket prices may change depending on the season or special promotions, so it’s a good idea to check for the latest updates before your visit!
5. Things to Do at Shaolin Temple
✅ Watch a Shaolin Kung Fu Show 🥋
✅ Explore the Ancient Pagoda Forest 🌲
✅ Hike Song Mountain (Mount Songshan) ⛰
✅ Visit the Dharma Cave & Meditation Spots 🧘
✅ Try Local Henan Cuisine 🍜
6. Nearby Attractions in Dengfeng
- Zhongyue Temple 🏯 (Daoist Temple)
- Songyang Academy 📜 (Ancient Confucian School)
- Sanhuang Village Scenic Spot ⛰ (Great for Hiking)
- Songshan Mountain (Songshan Mountain, together with the Shaolin Temple, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
7. Where to Stay Near Shaolin Temple
Looking for a place to stay near Shaolin Temple? Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly hotel, a luxurious retreat, or a cultural experience, there’s an option for every traveler. Below is a list of recommended hotels, each offering unique features to suit your needs.
| Hotel Name | Location | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dengfeng Zhonggang Business Hotel 登封中港商务酒店 | 100m west of Dengfeng Avenue & Chonggao Road | ¥170+ |
| Dengfeng Zhaojian Shanju 登封照见山居 | Tranquil Daixiangou Scenic Area, Dengfeng | ¥650+ |
| Dengfeng Chanwu Hotel (4-star) 登封禅武大酒店 | West Dayu Road, Epoling, Dengfeng | ¥420+ |
| Dengfeng Beijing Dayali Hotel 登封北京大鸭梨酒店 | 1 Shaolin Avenue, Dengfeng | ¥100+ |
| Dengfeng Roma Holiday Hotel 登封罗马假日酒店 | 1 Dayu Road, near Shaolin Temple entrance, Dengfeng | ¥220+ |
| Dengfeng Moshang Qingju Hotel 登封陌上轻居酒店 | Near Shaolin Temple, Dengfeng | ¥— |
| Shaolin Tourist Resort 少林旅游度假村 | 300m south of Shaolin Temple | ¥172+ |
| Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Hostel 少林寺功夫客栈 | Inside Shaolin Temple scenic area | ¥168+ |
| Songshan Chanju International Hotel 嵩山禅居国际饭店 | At the foot of Songshan Mountain | ¥321+ |
| Dengfeng Yongtai Jingshe 登封永泰净舍 | Traditional Chinese-style decor | ¥— |
Why Stay Here?
These hotels offer great locations, complete facilities, and diverse experiences. Whether you’re on a spiritual journey, a Kung Fu adventure, or just sightseeing, you’ll find a stay that matches your travel style.
Would you like more tips on booking the best stay near Shaolin Temple? Let me know!
So, how to get to Shaolin Temple from Beijing? The high-speed train + bus is the best choice for most travelers. However, if you’re on a budget, a long-distance bus works too. Flying is fastest, but costs more. Driving offers flexibility but takes 8-9 hours.
No matter how to Get to Shaolin Temple from Beijing, Shaolin Temple awaits with its rich history, stunning scenery, and Kung Fu legacy!
Planning your trip? Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!
