Shaolin Temple
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Located outside of Dengfeng City in China’s Henan Province, the Shaolin Temple is perhaps the most famous Buddhist Temple on earth. It was included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2010. The temple is home to the famous Shaolin fighting monks. The temple complex is filled with natural beauty and many ancient relics. Visitors can stroll through the temple complex and watch Shaolin Kung Fu being practiced and taught.
Shanmen Hall
Above the door of the hall is a tabled reading ‘Shaolin Temple’. The tabled was inscribed by the Emperor Kangxi, during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The hall’s centerpiece is a carving of the Maitreya Buddha.
Hall of Heavenly Kings
The gate to this hall is guarded by two huge statues of Buddhist Warriors. Inside the hall are statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, responsible for helping those in trouble and blessing the pure.
Mahavira Hall
The center of the Shaolin Temple, the hall is used for celebrations and prayers. Inside this hall, the 18 Arhats line the walls and in the middle is a statue of The Buddha flanked by two Buddhas. In the floor are many divots, that according to legend, were made by the feet of monks practicing Shaolin Kung Fu.
Pagoda Forest
This is a graveyard for Buddhist monks. Each stone pagoda houses the remains of an important Buddhist monk and the architectural styles of centuries can be seen. It is the largest pagoda complex in China.
Ancestor’s and Second Ancestor’s Monasteries
Located outside the Shaolin Temple complex are two monasteries. The Ancestor’s Monastery is a large hall supported by 16 tall stone pillars that are carved with images of warriors, dragons, and phoenixes. The Second Ancestor’s Monastery was where the “second ancestor” Huike was nursed back to health after cutting his left arm to show his dedication to Buddhism.
Dharma Cave
This cave is where Dharma faced the wall and meditated for 9 years. He became an immortal and created Buddhist Zen. The cave’s walls are covered with stone inscriptions.
Shaolin Temple Wushu Training Center
This center is where Shaolin Monks have been studying Shaolin Kung Fu for over 1,500 years. They studied martial arts to improve their health and to defend themselves. Performances are done here for visitors.
