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County-level city in Henan, People's Republic of China
Photo: User:Yaoleilei, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Dengfeng is a small city in Henan province (by Chinese standards). The name Dengfeng was bestowed upon it by Wu zetian of the Wu Zhou dynasty. It is in the central-west part of Henan Province, at the southern foot of Mount Song（嵩山 ).
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
达摩洞
The cave where Damo meditated.
登封观星台
The earliest surviving observatory in China.
少林寺; Shàolínsì
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.
少室山
The area's tallest peak at 1512 meters above sea level.
嵩岳寺塔
The oldest surviving brick pagoda in China.
中岳庙
The largest Daoist temple complex in Henan Province.
嵩阳书院
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.
塔沟武校体验课
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.
登山远足
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.
嵩山少林武术课程
Provides multi-day kung fu study programs for both beginners and advanced students. Training includes traditional Shaolin styles, physical conditioning, meditation, and Taoist philosophy.
少林寺功夫培训
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.
武术节
The most famous martial arts festival in China. Features mass kung fu performances, international competitions, cultural exhibitions, and Shaolin monks’ ceremonial demonstrations.
徒步节
An outdoor eco-tourism festival featuring group trekking, geological tours, conservation activities, and photography contests. Popular among young hikers.
庙会
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.
少林素斋
Temple-style vegetarian dishes using tofu, mushrooms, and wild greens. Quiet and peaceful; convenient for visitors inside Shaolin Temple.
登封面馆
A popular local noodle shop known for hand-pulled noodles and beef broth. A simple but very local place.
银湖餐厅
Offers Henan dishes, Sichuan-style choices, and family-style meals. Good for groups attending the Shaolin Zen Music Ceremony.
老院记农家菜
Farmhouse restaurant featuring roasted chicken, stir-fried wild greens, tofu pot, and homemade noodles. Ideal for hikers in Songshan.
中岳茶舍
Quiet teahouse offering Henan specialty teas and herbal drinks. A good rest spot during temple visits.
登封咖啡屋
A modern café with coffee, milk tea, and desserts. Popular among students, travelers, and remote workers.
少林夜吧
A small evening bar serving beer, cocktails, and snacks. Relaxed atmosphere for visitors staying near Shaolin.
攀登青年旅舍
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.
禅月酒店（嵩山少林寺店）
A small, cozy mid-to-budget hotel close to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy. Easy access to major attractions and local dining spots.
少林国际大酒店
Highly rated 3– to 4-star 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.
登封绿城酒店
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.
精武生态大酒店
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.
禅武大酒店
A top-ranked 4-star 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.
中州国际少林酒店
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.
登封少林纪念品市场
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.
嵩阳街小吃与特产一条街
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.
中岳庙传统市集
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).
登封武术装备店
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.
登封山区草本产品
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.
登封万达广场
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.
Buses to Dengfeng are available from Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Kaifeng and many other cities in Henan Province.
Read in the guideCity buses
Regular city buses serve all major zones in Dengfeng. Popular tourist-oriented routes include:
Taxi
Starting fare is typically ¥6 for the first 3 km, with ¥1.5 per km afterwards.
Scenic shuttle buses
During peak seasons, shuttle buses run between:
Walking
The downtown area of Dengfeng is compact and walkable, with many restaurants, hotels, and small local attractions within short distance.
E-bike sharing
E-bike rentals are available near hotels and major bus stops, but foreign tourists should check whether app-based rental platforms accept international cards.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Luoyang (Laocheng) · International · LYA
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