Sacred Tombs of The Pagoda Forest

Nestled at the base of Mount Shaoshi in Henan Province, the Pagoda Forest at Shaolin Temple is a sacred necropolis within the broader monastery complex. With its origins tracing back to 618 AD during the Tang Dynasty, the forest is home to over 240 stone and brick pagodas, each serving as a tomb or memorial for esteemed monks, abbots and martial art masters. These structures span more than 1600 years, with the most recent additions dating from the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). It holds the distinction of being China's largest collection of ancient pagodas.

These structures stand as silent sentinels to the lives of the monks they commemorate, honouring their spiritual achievements and martial legacy. Some of the pagodas are adorned with epitaphs in ancient Chinese script, offering a glimpse into the monks' journeys, from their humble beginnings to their rise as leaders of the temple. These inscriptions provide a tangible connection to the past, telling the stories of their dedication, discipline and devotion. However, many of the pagodas remain without such markings, their true histories lost to time. These silent, unmarked tombs invite mystery and speculation, leaving behind only questions about the lives and contributions of the monks whose names have faded into obscurity.

Among the most notable tombs is that of Fuyu, a Yuan Dynasty abbot who played a crucial role in revitalising the Shaolin Temple’s Buddhist teachings after a period of decline. Fuyu, who died in 1279, helped restore both the temple’s spiritual practices and martial arts traditions, solidifying Shaolin’s reputation as a centre of both Buddhism and martial excellence. His pagoda, larger and more ornately decorated than most, symbolises the deep respect he commanded within the temple. The intricate carvings and impressive size of his tomb reflect his significant contributions, ensuring that his legacy continues to resonate at Shaolin for generations to come.

While the forest is revered for its historical and religious significance, it is also shrouded in unsettling legends. One tale speaks of a monk from the Ming Dynasty in the 1600s, accused of practicing forbidden martial arts techniques. As punishment, he was sealed alive within a pagoda, his body entombed while his soul was said to be bound by blood-ink sutras, forever trapped in the stone. During the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), rumours persist of monks performing grisly blood sacrifices to protect Shaolin's sacred teachings from Mongol invaders. Whispers suggest that 13 young initiates were buried alive in secret crypts beneath the forest as part of a dark and desperate ritual, their souls forever entwined with the ancient stones, guarding the temple’s secrets in death.

Whispers also circulate about vanished warrior monks from the Qing Dynasty who were either brutally slain or disappeared mysteriously. Locals claim their restless spirits continue to haunt the forest, seen sparring in the early morning mist or moving silently among the tombs, as though forever bound to the place of their death. Additionally, visitors often report strange phenomena, including blue ghost flames, phantom silhouettes and disembodied chants echoing in the distance. Some believe that disturbing the ancient pagodas or walking between certain tombs at dusk invites misfortune, as it is believed to provoke the wrath of the Three Guardians, ancient protectors of the forest whose spirits, when disturbed, are said to curse the living with death and despair.

Despite these eerie tales, the Pagoda Forest remains a deeply spiritual site. Shaolin monks still visit the forest to honour their ancestors, performing rituals and martial arts demonstrations to commemorate the teachings and sacrifices of those buried here. In 2010, the forest was included as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the Historic Monuments of Dengfeng, ensuring its place in both Chinese history and global heritage. Today, the Pagoda Forest stands as a solemn reminder of the intertwining of Buddhism, martial arts and ancient mysticism, serene by day and mysterious by night.

Location : Deng Feng Da Dao, Deng Feng Shi, Zheng Zhou Shi, Henan Sheng

How to get there : To reach the Shaolin Monastery compound from Henan Province, the most common routes are from Zhengzhou or Luoyang. From Zhengzhou, take a bus from the Long-Distance Bus Station to Dengfeng City (1.5–2 hours), then transfer to a local minibus or taxi to the temple. Alternatively, a direct taxi or private car takes around 1.5 hours. From Luoyang, you can take a direct bus from the Luoyang Bus Terminal to the Shaolin Temple, also taking about 1.5–2 hours. Starting early in the day is recommended to fully enjoy the temple and the Kung Fu performances. The pagoda forest is approximately 300 metres west of the main monastery buildings.

Attraction Info : The Monastery grounds are open daily between 7:30am to 6pm between March and November and 8am to 5:30pm between December to February. The standard entry fee is 80 yuan per person, while tickets that include the shuttle bus service cost 105 yuan. An optional cable car to Sanhuangzhai scenic area costs 100 yuan for a round trip. Entry includes access to the temple grounds, the Pagoda Forest and the Kung Fu performances (which happen 5-6 times per day).

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