Shaolin-Monastery

Place of origin of Chinese martial arts

Information about Shaolin Monastery

Near the ancient imperial city of Luoyang, at the food of the sacred Song Mountain, lies the world-famous Shaolin Monastery. While known for its martial arts, including kung fu, tai chi, and qigong, this is the site where an Indian monk is said to have laid the foundations of Zen Buddhism some 1,500 years ago.

The Shaolin Monastery No Chinese monastery is more famous than the Shaolin Monastery. Kung fu is a lucrative industry here, with students coming to the monastery from numerous schools all over the world. Martial arts shows here earn the school money. The site’s beginnings are shrouded in legend. The Indian monk Bodhidharma is said to have meditated here for nine years in the 6th century, sitting in a grotto and laying the foundations for Zen Buddhism, which seeks enlightenment in personal experience rather than scriptural study. The monastery’s foundation dates back to 495, though it was restored to its current appearance in the 1980s. Two halls in the monastery are of particular historical value, one with a Ming-period mural depicting "500 Luohan worshiping the Vairocana Buddha," and another illustrating monks in service to Tang Dynasty founder Li Shimin. Also significant is the pagoda forest, and the cemetery of the Shaolin monks, with 220 tomb pagodas more than 1,000 years old.

Song Mountain The holy central mountain! Like the other four sacred mountains, sacrifices were made to Song Mountain. What matters here is not the view from the 1,492-meter peak, but the sites at its southern foot, including, of course, the Shaolin Monastery in particular.

Interesting facts about Shaolin Monastery

Founded in the 5th century, Shaolin Monastery is one of China's oldest and most famous Buddhist temples.

Located near Luoyang at the Song Mountain, it's renowned for its association with martial arts and the birthplace of Kung Fu.

The Pagoda Forest at Shaolin contains over 240 pagodas, each housing the remains of eminent monks.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery offers visitors a glimpse into China's rich spiritual and martial history.

Pictures of Shaolin Monastery

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Possible Activities in Shaolin Monastery

City tour

Highlights Close to Shaolin Monastery

Longmen Grottoes

Am Ufer des Yi-Flusses offenbart sich ein Steinpoem: Tausende Buddhas blicken aus in den Fluss, in Schluchten und heilige Höhlen – geschaffen über Jahrhunderte hinweg. In den Longmen Grottoes begegnen Sie einer Sammlung, in der Glaube, Kunst und Geschichte sich vereinen, und spüren, wie Fels zur Poesie wird.