Shaolin Temple
When most people think of Shaolin Temple, they think of Chinese martial arts, particularly kungfu movies starring Jet Li and Bruce Lee.
Shaolin Temple, which dates back to the fifth century, is said to be the most famous of the Chan Buddhist temples. There are several martial arts schools in the community, with visitors from around the globe traveling there to learn kungfu from masters.
If you don’t have months to spend learning martial arts, Shaolin Temple makes a great day or overnight trip from Zhengzhou, capital of Henan Province. Buses to Shaolin leave frequently from near the train station. Listen for shills shouting “Shaolin Si” - si is temple in Mandarin.
Shao stands for Shaoshi Mountain, where the temple is located. The temple has a website in English that provides detailed information about its history and current status.
I visited Shaolin in late February, before all the trees had sprouted leaves. The pollution was so bad, it was difficult to see its magnificence. I prompted switched from color to black-and-white film, and captured some stunning images. I just tell people this was Shaolin in the early morning mist, and not the truth, which is that it’s pollution at high noon.
The monastery has several temples, so be sure to plan on spending at least a couple of hours there. Other attractions are nearby and can be visited if you have time to spare. Shaolin was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 under the “monuments of Dengfeng.”
Shaolin Temple, which dates back to the fifth century, is said to be the most famous of the Chan Buddhist temples. There are several martial arts schools in the community, with visitors from around the globe traveling there to learn kungfu from masters.
If you don’t have months to spend learning martial arts, Shaolin Temple makes a great day or overnight trip from Zhengzhou, capital of Henan Province. Buses to Shaolin leave frequently from near the train station. Listen for shills shouting “Shaolin Si” - si is temple in Mandarin.
Shao stands for Shaoshi Mountain, where the temple is located. The temple has a website in English that provides detailed information about its history and current status.
I visited Shaolin in late February, before all the trees had sprouted leaves. The pollution was so bad, it was difficult to see its magnificence. I prompted switched from color to black-and-white film, and captured some stunning images. I just tell people this was Shaolin in the early morning mist, and not the truth, which is that it’s pollution at high noon.
The monastery has several temples, so be sure to plan on spending at least a couple of hours there. Other attractions are nearby and can be visited if you have time to spare. Shaolin was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 under the “monuments of Dengfeng.”
Zhengzhou
Zhengzhou is the capital of Central China’s Henan Province. It’s known more for manufacturing than for tourism attractions, though you’ll find a small temple or park here and there.
What makes Zhengzhou so great, however, is its location. If you’re not in the mood for a new hotel every night, you can base yourself in Zhengzhou and make day trips to Kaifeng and Shaolin Temple, for example.
What makes Zhengzhou so great, however, is its location. If you’re not in the mood for a new hotel every night, you can base yourself in Zhengzhou and make day trips to Kaifeng and Shaolin Temple, for example.
Contact Cheryl
Copyright 2012 by Cheryl Probst. All rights reserved.
Copyright 2012 by Cheryl Probst. All rights reserved.