Shaolin Monastery - The Birthplace of Kung Fu
- Shannon
- May 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Legacy of the Warrior Monks
The Shaolin Monastery was founded in 495AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty by Emperor Xiaowen to accommodate an Indian monk named Batuo. But it wasn’t until a second Indian monk, Bodhidharma arrived around 527AD that the legends really began. Bodhidharma, considered the father of Zen Buddhism, is said to have meditated in a cave near the temple for nine years, facing a wall until he achieved enlightenment. But sitting still for so long left him weak, so according to lore, he introduced a series of physical exercises to strengthen his body. These evolved into what we now call Shaolin Kung Fu.
Though historians debate how much Bodhidharma actually influenced martial arts, there's no denying that Shaolin monks developed a uniquely disciplined system of combat, one that blends body, breath and Buddhist philosophy. Throughout Chinese history, the Shaolin Monastery became much more than a spiritual centre. It also served as a military ally. In the Tang Dynasty, for example, monks helped Prince Li Shimin defeat a warlord. When he became Emperor Taizong, he rewarded the monastery with land and privilege.
By the age of the Ming Dynasty, the Shaolin monks were known as elite warrior-monks. Their fighting prowess was so revered that Emperors invited them to train troops and perform at the imperial court. Imagine: monks in flowing robes, performing acrobatic strikes and meditative swordplay before royalty. But the monastery also faced destruction, burned multiple times, most infamously in 1928 by warlord Shi Yousan. Yet, like a martial artist rising from the ground, the temple always rebuilt.
Like most classical Chinese temples, Shaolin follows a north-south axis with symmetrical balance, reflecting the yin-yang principle and the Five Elements (Wu Xing). This creates spiritual and spatial harmony
It is still a functioning temple with an active monastic community. While the image of Shaolin is often dominated by martial arts, at its heart, it's a Buddhist monastery and there are between 50-100 ordained Buddhist Monks living here. They live a life of discipline, celibacy, simplicity and service. Many focus more on Zen meditation, sutra chanting, scripture study and temple duties than martial arts.
Warrior Monks are trained in Shaolin Kung Fu, blending Buddhist philosophy with martial discipline. Some are ordained and others are secular students or lay disciples. They're often the ones you see performing in demonstrations or international tours. Surrounding the monastery and the greater Shaolin area, there are numerous martial arts schools, hosting up to 10,000 students. Many live in boarding school-style dorms and follow strict routines, from a few months to several years.
Just a short walk from the main Shaolin Temple complex, the Pagoda Forest is the largest collection of ancient pagodas in China, with over 240 stone and brick structures built between the Tang Dynasty (618–907) and the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). Each pagoda serves as a tomb or commemorative shrine for a revered monk, usually an abbot or master of the temple, honouring their spiritual achievements and martial legacy.
Some have epitaphs in ancient Chinese script, detailing the monk’s journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a temple leader. Others are silent, their meaning lost to time, leaving only questions for the imagination. One famous tomb belongs to Fuyu, a Yuan Dynasty abbot who was instrumental in revitalising the temple’s Buddhist teachings after a period of decline. His pagoda is larger and ornately decorated, demonstrating the respect he commanded.
Dragons, phoenixes, and other mythical beasts represent harmony, imperial power and auspicious energy
Shaolin isn’t just a place, it’s a living philosophy. Whether you're a martial arts fan, a seeker of spiritual truth or a curious traveller, Shaolin offers something profound: the fusion of body & mind and the balance between peace and power. Every statue, every roof tile and every layout in Shaolin has a purpose. They aren’t just remnants of the past, they are tools for teaching. Whether you’re walking among lion-guarded gates, standing beneath the serene gaze of Buddha or watching kung fu monks move like flowing water, you're surrounded by living symbolism.
Kung Fu here isn’t about aggression, it’s about self-cultivation. Every movement is a meditation and every breath, a mantra
🗺️ Location
Deng Feng Da Dao, Deng Feng Shi, Zheng Zhou Shi, Henan Sheng, China
🚆 How to get there
To reach the Shaolin Monastery 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 its Kung Fu performances.
⭐ Attraction Info
The Shaolin Monastery is open daily with operating hours from 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 (although sadly, we didn't have time to do this). Entry includes access to the temple grounds, the Pagoda Forest and the Kung Fu performances (which happen 5-6 times per day).
少林寺
