Dengfeng Voyage Tips and guide

Dengfeng is a small (by Chinese standards: 600,000) city in Henan province, China. The name Dengfeng was bestowed upon it by Wu zetian of the Wu Zhou dynasty. Located in the central-west part of Henan Province, at the southern foot of Mount Song（嵩山 ），it borders the provincial capital Zhengzhou to the northeast and the ancient capital Luoyang to the northwest.

The city lies in the shadow of Mount Song, one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism. The mountain is home to the Shaolin Monastery, a center of Zen Buddhism and kung fu. The Shaolin Monastery and several other historical monuments in the region have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as 'Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth”'.

• 34.447369113.0477371 Dengfeng Bus Terminal (登封汽车客车总站), Intersection of Yinghe Road and Yangcheng Road (颍河路与阳城路交叉口) (in the city center), ☏ +86 371 62857930. Dengfeng's main bus station. (updated Jan 2021)

Buses to Dengfeng are available from Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Kaifeng and many other cities in Henan Province.

In Zhengzhou, most buses to Dengfeng depart from the following three bus stations:

1. Zhengzhou Central Bus Station (郑州长途汽车中心站)

2. Zhengzhou South Bus Station (郑州客运南站)

3. Zhengzhou High Speed Rail Bus Exchange (郑州高铁长途汽车枢纽站)

The last one, which can be found at Zhengzhou East Railway Station, is useful if you want to transfer from train to bus or vice versa. Dengfeng does not have its own railway station.

Bus services to Dengfeng are also available from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport. These buses terminate at the Shaolin International Hotel in downtown Dengfeng.

Day-trippers who just want to visit the Shaolin Monastery can take the Intercity Bus (跨城巴士) that departs from the Zhengzhou Grand Hotel (郑州大酒店) at 06:50.

34°30′38″N 113°1′42″E

Map of Dengfeng

Dengfeng has an extensive network of local buses that connect major tourist attractions such as the Shaolin Temple, Zhongyue Temple, Songyang Academy, and various scenic spots on Mount Song. Most buses operate from around 06:30 to 20:00, though schedules may vary by season.

Regular city buses serve all major zones in Dengfeng. Popular tourist-oriented routes include:

• Bus 8 — connects downtown Dengfeng with Shaolin Temple (transfer required from the intercity bus).
• Bus K555 / K666 — operate mainly during holidays and weekends, connecting central Dengfeng with popular scenic areas.
• Bus 2 / Bus 6 — circulate through downtown, passing commercial districts, markets, and residential areas.

Fares for most local buses range from ¥1–¥3.

Taxis are widely available.

Starting fare is typically ¥6 for the first 3 km, with ¥1.5 per km afterwards.

Ride-hailing apps like DiDi (滴滴) also operate in Dengfeng.

During peak seasons, shuttle buses run between:

• Shaolin Temple Scenic Area
• Sanhuangzhai Scenic Area
• Songshan Visitor Center

These shuttles are convenient for travelers planning to visit multiple attractions in one day.

The downtown area of Dengfeng is compact and walkable, with many restaurants, hotels, and small local attractions within short distance.

E-bike rentals are available near hotels and major bus stops, but foreign tourists should check whether app-based rental platforms accept international cards.

• 34.513627112.9209671 Damo Cave (达摩洞). The cave where Damo meditated. (updated Feb 2021)

  

  

• 34.402406113.1407112 Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory (登封观星台). The earliest surviving observatory in China. (updated Feb 2021)
• 34.50709112.935693 Shaolin Temple (少林寺; Shàolínsì) (take the City Bus until the last stop and then change for bus 8, ¥3). Until 6PM. Also known as Shaolin Monastery, this important Zen Buddhist temple is the birthplace of the famous Shaolin Kung Fu martial art. With the ticket you can also go to the Pagoda Forest and reach the summit of the mountain. Note that a one year pass for all the attractions in Dengfeng area costs ¥150. They will just ask an extra ¥30 at the Shaolin Temple. That said, Shaolin Temple is very commercialised, with its abbot often dubbed the "CEO monk" and known for his extravagant lifestyle, which has proven controversial among many traditional Buddhists. ¥100.  
• 34.465474112.9358184 Shaoshi Mountain (少室山). The area's tallest peak at 1512 meters above sea level. (updated Feb 2021)
• 34.501611113.0159175 Songyue Pagoda (嵩岳寺塔). The oldest surviving brick pagoda in China. (updated Feb 2021)
• 34.458747113.0677196 Zhongyue Temple (中岳庙). The largest Daoist temple complex in Henan Province. (updated Feb 2021)
• 34.495113.057 Songyang Academy (嵩阳书院) (southern foot of Songshan Mountain), toll-free: +86 371 62838661. 08:00–18:00. One of the four great academies of ancient China, it was first built in the Northern Wei Dynasty and has served as a place for scholars to lecture throughout the ages. The academy boasts ancient cypress trees, lecture halls, and inscriptions. ¥30. (updated Sep 2025)

• 34.5068113.03311 Shaolin Monastery Wushu Institute at Tagou (塔沟武校体验课), Tagou Area, near Shaolin Temple (Take a taxi from Dengfeng downtown (≈ 20 min).). One-day classes (08:00–18:00). Offers one-day kung fu experience courses with accommodation for individuals interested in learning the Shaolin style of martial arts. Suitable for beginners and short-term visitors. Varies by program. (updated Nov 2025)

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  34.5109113.06712 Hiking in Songshan (嵩山徒步) (登山远足), Songshan National Scenic Region (Bus 2 from Dengfeng downtown to Songshan entrance.). Daytime only. There are many scenic trails around Mount Song. Some paths lead to remote forested areas, temples, and quiet mountain spots. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and beware of snakes. Free (park entrance ticket may apply). (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.4939113.05213 CK Martial Hearts (嵩山少林武术课程), Wangzhigou, Dengfeng (Taxi from downtown Dengfeng (≈ 15 minutes).), ☏ +86 186 11558721, [email protected]. Programs vary by date. Provides multi-day kung fu study programs for both beginners and advanced students. Training includes traditional Shaolin styles, physical conditioning, meditation, and Taoist philosophy. Varies by program (multi-day training). (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.5051113.03684 Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Study (少林寺国际功夫学院) (少林寺功夫培训), Near Shaolin Temple Scenic Area (Shuttle buses and taxis available from downtown Dengfeng.), [email protected]. Programs vary. A Shaolin Kung Fu school located near the original Shaolin Temple, fully authorized to teach traditional Shaolin martial arts to international students. Courses include Shaolin boxing, Tai Chi, meditation, and weapon training. Tuition-based, varies by duration. (updated Nov 2025)

Festival

• 34.5175113.03985 Shaolin Martial Arts Festival (少林武术节) (武术节), Shaolin Temple Scenic Area (Tourist shuttle or taxi (20 min).). Every October, 09:00–21:00. The most famous martial arts festival in China. Features mass kung fu performances, international competitions, cultural exhibitions, and Shaolin monks’ ceremonial demonstrations. Included in scenic ticket (¥80). (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.5109113.06716 Songshan Hiking Festival (嵩山徒步节) (徒步节), Songshan Scenic Region (Bus 2 from downtown Dengfeng.). Every April, 08:30–17:00. An outdoor eco-tourism festival featuring group trekking, geological tours, conservation activities, and photography contests. Popular among young hikers. Free (park ticket may apply). (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.4666113.05087 Dengfeng Temple Fair (登封庙会) (庙会), Zhongyue Temple Area (Bus 3 or tourist shuttle from downtown.). Lunar Jan.16 & July 16, 08:00–20:00. A thousand-year-old Taoist celebration dedicated to the deity of Mount Song. Includes incense rituals, opera shows, lantern fairs, traditional snacks, and cultural performances. Free (incense purchases ¥10–¥20). (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.5182113.04011 Dengfeng Shaolin Style Souvenir Market (登封少林纪念品市场) (少林纪念品集市), Shaolin Temple Scenic Area, at main entrance (Inside Shaolin Temple scenic entrance; take shuttle bus from ticket office.). 08:00–18:00. A cluster of small souvenir shops near the Shaolin Temple entrance. Popular items include kung fu outfits, wooden prayer beads, monk figurines, calligraphy scrolls, and “Shaolin” branded notebooks and mugs. Bargaining is common and expected. ¥10–¥300 depending on item. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.4572113.03462 Songyang Street Local Snacks Market (嵩阳街小吃与特产一条街) (嵩阳美食特产街), South section of Songyang Street, Dengfeng downtown (Walkable from most hotels in downtown Dengfeng.). 10:00–22:00. A lively night-time shopping street with local snacks, dried sesame cakes, herbal teas, mountain walnuts, and traditional pastries. Many stalls also sell handmade bracelets and incense. Good place for inexpensive gifts. Snacks ¥5–¥20; dried goods ¥15–¥60. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.4668113.05113 Zhongyue Temple Traditional Market (中岳庙传统市集) (中岳庙庙市), Zhongyue Temple Scenic Area (Bus 3 or taxi from downtown.). 09:00–17:00 (extended to 20:00 during temple fair). A small traditional market located outside Zhongyue Temple. Vendors sell Taoist charms, incense sticks, painted amulets, clay sculptures, and handmade rope bracelets blessed by temple monks. Especially lively during the temple fair (庙会). ¥10–¥200. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.5074113.03424 Dengfeng Kung Fu Equipment Shops (登封武术装备店) (少林武术装备), Near Shaolin Tagou Martial Arts School area (Taxi from downtown (≈ 15 minutes); located around Tagou School gates.). 09:00–19:00. Shops specializing in martial arts gear including Shaolin training uniforms, shoes, gloves, staffs, and simple wooden practice swords. Quality varies; ask shop owners to demonstrate weapon balance. Training uniforms ¥60–¥200; training weapons ¥50–¥300. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.4556113.03725 Dengfeng Local Herbal Products (登封山区草本产品) (嵩山草本茶), Various pharmacies and small shops near Songyang Street (Walk from Dengfeng downtown; most located near food street.). 09:00–21:00. Mount Song is known for its herbal plants used in tea, medicine, and wellness products. Popular items include wild chrysanthemum tea, mount-grown goji berries, herbal balms, traditional cold remedies, and monk tea blends. ¥20–¥120 depending on herb. (updated Nov 2025)
• 34.4619113.02686 Dengfeng Wanda Plaza (登封万达广场) (万达广场), Intersection of Zhongyue Avenue and Songshan Road, Dengfeng downtown (Located in central Dengfeng; reachable by bus routes 2, 3, and 8, or taxi from any downtown hotel (≈ ¥8–¥12).). 10:00–22:00. The largest modern shopping complex in Dengfeng, featuring fashion retail brands, a supermarket, bakery shops, phone stores, cosmetics counters, and a Wanda Cinema with the latest films. The plaza also includes a mix of local snack stalls and chain restaurants, making it a convenient stop for dining, shopping, and entertainment during a visit to the city. Free entry. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.5098113.03191 Shaolin Vegetarian Restaurant (少林素斋), Inside Shaolin Temple Scenic Area, ☏ +86 371 6288 6438. 10:00–19:00. Temple-style vegetarian dishes using tofu, mushrooms, and wild greens. Quiet and peaceful; convenient for visitors inside Shaolin Temple. ¥40–¥80. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.4557113.03722 Dengfeng Noodle House (登封面馆), Zhongyue Street near Cultural Square, ☏ +86 371 6286 7712. 07:00–20:30. A popular local noodle shop known for hand-pulled noodles and beef broth. A simple but very local place. ¥15–¥30. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.4702113.03663 Yinhu Restaurant (银湖餐厅), Near Zen Music Shaolin Grand Ceremony Theatre, ☏ +86 135 2673 5590. 10:00–21:00. Offers Henan dishes, Sichuan-style choices, and family-style meals. Good for groups attending the Shaolin Zen Music Ceremony. ¥60–¥120. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.5031113.03554 Laoyuanji Farmhouse (老院记农家菜), Shaolin Scenic Area, near Wuru Peak parking lot, ☏ +86 139 3850 6711. 10:00–20:00. Farmhouse restaurant featuring roasted chicken, stir-fried wild greens, tofu pot, and homemade noodles. Ideal for hikers in Songshan. ¥40–¥90. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.4593113.05545 Tea of Zhongyue (中岳茶舍), Zhongyue Temple Scenic Area, ☏ +86 135 9800 5211. 09:00–18:00. Quiet teahouse offering Henan specialty teas and herbal drinks. A good rest spot during temple visits. ¥20–¥50. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.4564113.03996 Dengfeng Coffee House (登封咖啡屋), Zhongyue Street, opposite the Culture Square, ☏ +86 188 3820 8876. 10:00–22:00. A modern café with coffee, milk tea, and desserts. Popular among students, travelers, and remote workers. ¥25–¥40. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.5059113.03127 Shaolin Night Bar (少林夜吧), Near Shaolin Visitor Center, ☏ +86 176 3881 5520. 19:00–01:00. A small evening bar serving beer, cocktails, and snacks. Relaxed atmosphere for visitors staying near Shaolin. ¥30–¥60. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.468113.0261 :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} (攀登青年旅舍), North Songyang Road (嵩阳路北段), Dengfeng, Henan, China. A well-reviewed budget hostel ideal for backpackers and martial arts trainees. Located inside the city, near bus routes and not far from Shaolin Temple. Simple, clean rooms and helpful staff. ¥60–¥150 (私人房间); ¥20–¥60 (床位).  

• 34.4566113.03992 :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} (禅月酒店（嵩山少林寺店）), Intersection of South 1st Ring Road and Changqing Road, Dengfeng, Henan, China. A small, cozy mid-to-budget hotel close to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy. Easy access to major attractions and local dining spots. ¥150–¥260.  

• 34.457113.0363 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} (少林国际大酒店), No.20 Shaolin Road, Dengfeng, Henan, China. Highly rated 3★–4★ hotel close to Shaolin Temple and attractions. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with onsite restaurant and travel assistance. Good balance of convenience and comfort for sightseeing visitors.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} ¥350–¥700.  

• 34.463113.03754 :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} (登封绿城酒店), Chongfu Road & Dayu Road area, Dengfeng, Henan, China. Convenient mid-range hotel in central Dengfeng near downtown and transport points. Offers easy access to restaurants, bus stops, and Shaolin scenic tours. Common comfort for longer stays. ¥300–¥600.  

• 34.4635113.03355 :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} (精武生态大酒店), Dengfeng Avenue & Dayu Road intersection, Dengfeng, Henan, China. A popular mid-to-upper mid-range hotel in the heart of Dengfeng city, convenient for day trips and urban eating/shopping. Rooms are comfortable with modern facilities. ¥400–¥700.  

• 34.473113.0266 :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} (禅武大酒店), Epoling, West Section of Dayu Road, Dengfeng, Zhengzhou, Henan, China, 452470, ☏ +86-371-62808880. A top-ranked 4★ hotel with a full range of amenities, including restaurant, fitness centre and travel desk. Far enough from the center for peace but still within 10–12 km of Shaolin Temple. Great for couples/families wanting comfort or for longer stays.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} ¥700–¥1,200+.  

• 34.4575113.03557 :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} (中州国际少林酒店), No.1 Chanwu Avenue, Shaolin Residential District, Dengfeng, Henan, China. Highly rated luxurious hotel located near Shaolin’s residential and training district. Offers premium rooms, business facilities and close access to martial arts schools, Shaolin Temple, and martial-arts cultural tours. Good for travellers who want a deluxe Shaolin experience. ¥750–¥1,400+.  

• 34.7847113.97998 Zhongmu Tourist Information Center (中牟游客服务中心), West Gate, Green Expo Park, Zhengkai Avenue, Zhongmu County (Near the Green Expo Park west entrance; from Zhongmu Bus Station take local bus 3 or a taxi (10–15 minutes).), ☏ +86 371 6210 8888. 09:00–17:00. Provides maps, brochures, ticket information and basic travel advice for attractions in Zhongmu (Silver Base Resort, Movie Town, Green Expo Park, Yanming Lake). Free. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.7294113.89729 Zhongmu Bus Station (Long-distance) (中牟汽车站（长途）), North Section of Changming Road, near County Transport Hub (Main departure point for intercity buses to Zhengzhou, Kaifeng and Luoyang.), ☏ +86 371 6201 1122. 05:30–22:30. Frequent intercity buses run to Zhengzhou (40–60 minutes), Kaifeng and Luoyang. Buy tickets at the station counter or via local apps. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.73113.97510 Zhongmu County Taxi Rank (中牟出租车停靠点), County Government Square / Zhongmu Bus Station areas (Taxi ranks are usually found at the County Government Square and outside the main bus station; hailing on the street is common.). 24 hours. Taxis are convenient for reaching scattered attractions (Movie Town, Green Expo Park). Expect higher fares from tourist zones late at night. Metered fares (short rides in town usually ¥8–¥20). (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.7296113.976311 Zhongmu Post Office (中牟邮政局), No. 225 Wenhua Road, Chengguan Street, Zhongmu County (Central location; walkable from most downtown hotels.), ☏ +86 371 6218 7137. 08:30–17:30 (Mon–Fri). Provides postal, parcel and express-mail services. Useful for sending postcards or packages. (updated Nov 2025)

• Public mobile coverage: major Chinese carriers (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) all have service in Zhongmu; signal is generally strong in the county and at major tourist sites.
• SIM cards and top-up: can be purchased/ topped up at convenience stores and telecom branches in the county centre (passport required for new SIM registration).
• Local buses: Zhongmu has a local bus network linking the county town, Green Expo Park and nearby attractions; check the Tourist Information Center for routes and current timetables.
• On-demand shuttles: during peak season some resorts (Silver Base, Fantawild) run shuttle buses from Zhongmu town and Zhengzhou — check resort websites or the Tourist Information Center for schedules.

• 34.7466113.625412 Zhengzhou (郑州) (About 40–60 minutes west of Dengfeng by intercity bus; frequent buses run from Dengfeng Bus Station to Zhengzhou South and Zhengzhou East.). The provincial capital with major museums, large shopping centres and historical sites such as the Henan Museum and the Erqi Memorial Tower. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.7989114.307413 Kaifeng (开封) (About 1–1.5 hours east by intercity bus; some routes via Zhengzhou.). An ancient capital famous for the Iron Pagoda, the Qingming Riverside Park and rich Song-dynasty culture; a great next stop for history lovers. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.6197112.45414 Luoyang (洛阳) (About 1.5–2 hours by intercity bus or train from Dengfeng (via Zhengzhou connections).). Home to the Longmen Grottoes and the White Horse Temple; ideal for visitors interested in Buddhist art and ancient grottoes. (updated Nov 2025)

• 34.5189113.026915 Songshan (Mount Song) & Shaolin Scenic Area (嵩山·少林景区), Songshan Scenic Area, near Dengfeng (About 20–40 minutes by taxi or local shuttle from central Dengfeng; many visitors combine Songshan and Shaolin Temple in a day trip.). The mountain and temple complex adjacent to Dengfeng; hiking, historic monasteries and martial-arts culture make it an obvious next destination. (updated Nov 2025)