Private Tour to Songyang Academy, Zhongyue Temple and Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou

Private Tour to Songyang Academy, Zhongyue Temple and Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou

Join this private day tour from Zhengzhou to visit the highlights of Dengfeng. You will visit one of the four greatest academies for higher education in ancient China - Songyang Academy; Admire the largest and oldest intact building complex among the Five Holy Mountains in China at Zhongyue Temple; Watch a kung-fu performance that displays amazing martial arts moves at Shaolin Temple, and explore the biggest pagoda forest in China. This private tour includes local lunch, all entrance fee, an English-speaking guide and transport by private vehicle.

Following a morning pickup from your accommodation in Zhengzhou city, meet your private guide and hop aboard your air-conditioned vehicle. Heading directly to Shaolin Academy, which will takes about 1.5 hours. Your tour guide will explain the relate histories and stories along the way, feel free to ask any questions if you have!

You will first visit the Shaolin Temple. You will have a chance to witness the real Kungfu performed by Shaolin monks. As a UNESCO Site, the Shaolin Temple was first constructed in 495 A.D. Later, Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-557) had the temple built to accommodate the Indian master Batuo. As Chinese Kungfu also originated from Shaolin Temple, it has been recognized as the origin of Chan Buddhism and the cradle of Kungfu. Accompanied by your knowledgable tour guide, you will get you know the histories and related stories about Shaolin Temple - culture, people and soul.

Afterwards, you will explore the Pagoda Forest which is a concentration of tomb pagodas for eminent monks and abbots of the temple.

There are more than 240 tomb pagodas of various sizes from the Tang, Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties (618-1911), making it the biggest pagoda forest in China. 

Enjoy a delicious lunch in the local restaurant, then heading to Zhongyue Temple.

Zhongyue Temple was first built during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) and was the place where emperors and ministers from various historical periods paid their respects to the God of Mount Songshan in central China. It is the largest and oldest intact building complex among the Five Holy Mountains in China. It is praised as the palace museum in central China and the sixth paradise of Taoism. Spend sometime with your guide to walk around the temple and get to know the histories and stories about this temple.

Last, you will visit the Songyang Academy. Songyang Academy was one of the four greatest academies for higher education in ancient China. It played an important role in China’s education history and cultural transmission. Nowadays, Songyang Academy is an “example” for learning ancient academy architecture, the ancient Chinese education system and Confucianism.

After your tour finished, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Zhengzhou.