[2025 Dengfeng Attraction] Travel Guide for The Shaoshi Mountain Scenic Area (Updated Apr)

Shaolin temple #hikingtrails

Zhongyue Songshan is divided into two parts, Shaoshishan and Taishishan. Shaoshishan is more famous for its Shaolin Temple and unique landforms. Its highest peak is Liantian Peak (1,512 meters, also the highest peak in Songshan). However, Baidu says that "due to its dangerous terrain, it has never been developed to this day" and most people don't do it except for wild climbing. Therefore, there is no "mountaintop" to take photos when climbing Shaoshishan. According to the B&B owner's suggestion, we could enter Sanhuangzhai from Shaolin Temple to avoid the crowds. We set out in the morning before the scenic area opened at 8 a.m. Since we needed an ID card to buy tickets online, we could only buy them at the ticket office (tickets were ￥80). As soon as we entered the scenic area, we were shocked by the crowds of group tourists in the square in front of the entrance (it's not an exaggeration to say there were over a thousand people). We were afraid that Shaolin Temple would be closed in the afternoon, so we had to bite the bullet and follow the crowd. After watching the martial arts performance, we walked through Shaolin Temple and the Forest of Pagodas. We were finally able to get rid of the large crowds. However, probably because it was the weekend, there were still many people climbing the mountain. There are 36 peaks in Shaoshi Mountain. Because you don't climb to the top of the peak, but walk around the peaks. There are steps going up and down along the way that follow the undulating mountain. When you walk to the suspended plank road, you can see the important symbol of Shaoshi Mountain - the spectacular Book Cliff. After arriving at Sanhuangzhai, go down the mountain and take the scenic area bus (¥20, you have to walk 6k on the road, I chose to take the bus) back to the Sanhuangzhai Visitor Center, and then call the boss to take you back to the B&B. The actual hiking in Sanhuangzhai Scenic Area is about 5 hours. It seems steep, but it is not difficult to climb and it won't be too tiring. #AprilGoodDestinations2025

🏯 Scenic Overview Shaolin Temple is not only the birthplace of Zen Buddhism but also the cradle of Chinese Kung Fu. This ancient monastery, with a history spanning over 1,500 years (established in 495 AD), integrates Zen, martial arts, medicine, and art. It is a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Center of Heaven and Earth." 🚗 Transportation Guide Precise Location: At the foot of Mount Shaoshi in Dengfeng City, Henan Province Recommended Routes: From Zhengzhou: Take the Zheng-Shao-Luo Expressway → Exit at Dengfeng West (1.5-hour drive) From Luoyang: Take the Erguang Expressway and transfer to Yanluo Expressway (1-hour drive) Public Transport Option: Take the "Zhengzhou-Dengfeng" tourist line from Zhengzhou Bus Station (ticket price: 28 RMB) ⏰ Best Visiting Times Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (until 5:00 PM in winter) Optimal Visit Times: Early Morning (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM): Avoid crowds and watch monks practicing martial arts After 4:00 PM: Ideal lighting for photography 💵 Ticket Tips Full Ticket: 80 RMB (includes the Permanent Courtyard, Pagoda Forest, and the First Patriarch's Shrine) 📸 Three Must-Photograph Sacred Spots 1. Stele Forest Relics (Image 1) Historical Highlights: The stele gallery outside the gate features over 300 steles from the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties Special Shot: Capture the stele inscribed by Jin Yong (erected in 2001) Find the "Taizong Emperor's Imperial Stele" (authentic Tang dynasty stele) Fun Fact: Some inscriptions document the history of Shaolin monks aiding the Tang dynasty in quelling rebellions 2. Guanyin Pavilion (Image 2) Architectural Marvel: A Ming dynasty double-eaved pavilion Unique Feature: Copper bells hanging from the eaves produce a serene sound when the wind blows Best Angles: Use the stone lion in front of the pavilion as a foreground for upward shots Capture silhouette effects during sunset 3. Painted Beams (Image 3) Artistic Treasure: The highest-grade "Heshi Painted Art" from the Qing dynasty Key Details: Admire the "gold and emerald" craftsmanship in the dragon and phoenix patterns Observe the "Shaolin Boxing Manual" reliefs on the column bases

#Mainland Travel Each of the 36 peaks of Mount Shaoshi contains the wonders of nature, and strange peaks and unique views can be seen everywhere. Visitors can visit natural wonders such as Monkey Watching the Sea of ​​Clouds, Shaoshi Autumn Colors, and Tiger Roaring at Yunfeng, and feel the magical charm of nature. In addition, the Three Immortals Stone, the Stone Bamboo Forest, the Shaoshi Clear Snow and other scenic spots also have their own characteristics and should not be missed. Water source landscapes such as the Tushita Lake and the Tea Fairy Spring, as well as cultural attractions such as the Renzu Stone, Shaoshi Temple, Shaolin Temple, and Shaolin Yonghua Hall, allow tourists to appreciate the profound cultural heritage while enjoying the natural scenery. Public Transportation Information: 1. Zhengzhou Bus Passenger Transport Center Station (located at Zhengzhou Railway Station Square, No. 14, Xinglong Street) has shuttle buses to Shaolin Temple from 6:30 to 11:40 every day, and then you can go to Shaoshishan Scenic Area. 2. Take the bus to Dengfeng and Xuchang from Luoyang Long-distance Bus Station (Daonan Road, Xigong District, Luoyang City, diagonally opposite Luoyang Railway Station) and you will reach Shaolin Temple Crossing in 1.5 hours, where you can reach Shaoshishan Scenic Area.

Weekend Getaway: A Chance Encounter with Shaolin Temple After work on Friday, I grabbed my backpack and set off... Without a detailed plan, I was met with many pleasant surprises... Saturday's Itinerary: Shaolin Temple and Book Cliff Strolling through the ginkgo forest of Shaolin Temple, it was like stepping into a dazzling golden dream, each step falling in rhythm with autumn. The magnificence of Book Cliff is difficult to fully capture in photos. The layered rock walls resemble neatly arranged books, each page engraved with hundreds of millions of years of geological history. Sunday's Exploration: Henan Museum and 1952 Creative Block The Henan Museum was naturally a highlight of this trip. As one of the birthplaces of bronze culture, Henan houses a vast collection of bronze treasures from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, especially those unearthed from the Yin Ruins of Anyang, a perfect fusion of historical and artistic value. As for the 1952 Creative Block...let's just say it has a unique charm, a blend of rustic and trendy. The theme of this weekend trip was to avoid the crowds and enjoy undisturbed weekend time.

I never thought I would see the "Golden Mountain" phenomenon in Zhengzhou. I never thought I would see such a view on Song Mountain. It was so shocking and beautiful that words cannot describe it. Sitting at the foot of the mountain, quietly making a cup of tea, I forgot about time and space and was immersed in the moment! Seeing the Golden Mountain brings good luck! Navigation: Shaoshi Mountain Agricultural Ecological Park Location: 130 meters northwest of Shaoshi Temple, Dengfeng City Travel tips: 1. Free attraction. Navigate to the address in the text, park at the destination (no parking fee), and walk for 5 minutes to see the view. 2. Make sure to go on a sunny day and arrive before 4 pm. The sunset is very quick, so make sure to go early. 3. Not many people know about this place yet. The weather has been good these past two days, so it is the best time to see the view. 4. Wear warm clothes. It gets very cold on the mountain after sunset, so make sure to keep warm.

Song Mountain is divided into Taishi Mountain and Shaoshi Mountain. When I was doing my research, I found that Shaoshi Mountain had better scenery, so I decided to challenge Shaoshi Mountain. There are two entrances to Shaoshi Mountain. If you are in good physical condition, you can enter the mountain from Sanhuangzhai. This route is not easy, but it is super exciting! You have to spend more than three hours climbing the mountain, passing through the magical Sanhuangzhai, the thrilling suspension bridge, and the strange cliff that looks like a book. When you finally reach the top of the mountain, the sense of accomplishment is incredible! After that, you can take the cable car down the mountain, and the end point is at the Shaolin Temple. How about it? Are you excited? Come and experience this treasure route of Shaoshi Mountain!

Shaoshi Mountain, with its main peak Liantian Peak, also known as Zhaixing Tower, is 1,512 meters above sea level and is the highest peak of Songshan Mountain. Shaoshi Mountain is a key scenic spot in Songshan National Forest Park, and Shaolin Temple National AAAAA Tourist Scenic Spot is located in it. Because it is located in the dense forest of Shaoshi Mountain in the hinterland of Songshan Mountain, it is named "Shaolin Temple". Shaoshi Mountain is opposite to Taishi Mountain in the east, about 10 kilometers away from Taishi Mountain. Shaolin River originated from here. It is said that the second wife of King Xia Yu, the sister of Tushan, lived here. People built a temple at the foot of the mountain to respect her, so the mountain is called "Shaoshi".

👉 It takes about two hours by car from Luohe to reach the destination. Starting from Yongtai Temple, you begin the climb. Taishi Mountain is underfoot, and Shaoshi Mountain is in the distance, offering stunning scenery. 🦻 It is said that this route is called Wudaozhang because you need to cross five peaks, which resemble Buddhist stupas (chuang), hence the name. The entire route is 9 kilometers, ending at an alpine meadow. You can bring a hammock or moisture-proof mat to rest in the meadow. 😎 Although it is a beginner's climbing route and does not require ropes, scrambling over rocks can still be a bit dangerous. My partner is afraid of heights and didn't dare to look back while climbing because there were sheer cliffs behind. Many newcomers in our group said they would never come again after descending 😄😄😄. ✨ Previously, when taking the cable car in the scenic area, I wondered what it would feel like to walk among the mountains. Now I understand that it feels like I am measuring, feeling, and touching the mountain step by step. It's much more interesting than taking the cable car, but of course, this must be done while ensuring your safety. Every step must be steady and firm to better experience the joy of climbing!

What else to do on weekends? Of course, it's time to go hiking together⛰️. Mount Song, known as the 'Central Mountain' of the Five Sacred Mountains⛰️, is divided into Mount Taishi on the east and Mount Shaoshi on the west, which are two different mountains. Suggestions: ➡️For those who want to see Shaolin Temple/Tower Forest/Book Cliff/Sanhuangzhai, choose 【Mount Shaoshi】. ➡️For those who want to see Songyang Academy/Junji Peak/Luya Waterfall, choose 【Mount Taishi】. This article mainly talks about my climb on Mount Shaoshi. In summary, Mount Shaoshi offers beautiful scenery all the way and is suitable for first-time climbers. It's quite comfortable to walk, stop, and take photos. And the most worthwhile sight is the Book Cliff, which is the most spectacular in the quartzite landscape. It's completely different from other mountains you've seen. Route: Shaolin Temple - Tower Forest - Shaolin Cableway - Book Cliff - Cliff Suspension Bridge - Sanhuangzhai - Hero Slope Little tips: The last cable car is at 7:00. If you want to watch the sunset, make sure to manage your time well. You must take the Shaolin Cableway!! Everyone, please make sure to check before you go. Only the Shaolin Cableway is relatively large.

No way! You can get the same sunlit golden mountain without going to Sichuan West! The photos are incredibly beautiful😍 — 📍: You can directly reach Shaoshi Mountain⛰️ Agricultural Ecological Park (There will be Shaoshi Mountain➡️ signs all the way! You won't go wrong following the navigation and signs) 🎫: No tickets required 🅿️: You can park on the roadside at the foot of the mountain, but there are not many spots 💗: It is recommended to arrive around 3:30 in the afternoon, you can preview shooting angles and so on😊, the sunlit golden mountain slowly starts at 4:30 in the afternoon 🚗: About 50 minutes from Luoyang, park at the foot of the mountain, walk for 3-5 minutes to reach the location in the picture～(Hehe, don't forget to bring your own fruit peels and bottles when you go👅) — There are not many people at the moment, seize the weekend quickly🐛 come on baby juice!