Songshan
Henan
One of the Five Great Mountains of China, Songshan is considered a sacred mountain for both Taoism and Zen Buddhism. It is renowned for its dramatic natural scenery, historic temples including the famous Shaolin Temple, and as the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu. The area is a designated UNESCO Global Geopark.
Practical Travel Guide for Songshan
Make your journey smoother with essential practical information to read before traveling.
Visa Information
A visa is required for most foreign nationals in advance. However, many cities offer 72- or 144-hour visa-free transit policies for certain nationalities.
Adapter Type
Mandarin Chinese
Getting Around
Getting around the Songshan Scenic Area primarily involves tourist buses, cable cars, and walking. The city of Dengfeng at the base of the mountain has buses and taxis to the various attraction entrances. Long-distance buses from Zhengzhou or Luoyang go directly to Dengfeng or the Shaolin Temple.
Local Flavors
The local cuisine is part of Henan (Yu) cuisine, known for its noodles, stews, and soups. Restaurants near the Shaolin Temple also offer vegetarian options. A wider variety of dining choices can be found in Dengfeng city.