Complete Guide to Exploring Songshan: See the Martial Arts Holy Land and the Central Peak of the Five Great Mountains in One Day

Songshan is a place with a huge reputation! Just mentioning it immediately brings to mind Shaolin Kung Fu and the Central Peak of the Five Great Mountains, as if it comes with its own soundtrack and martial arts filter. Many people think Songshan is just Shaolin Temple, but that’s not the case at all! Songshan is actually divided into two main parts: Taishi Mountain and Shaoshi Mountain. Shaolin Temple is on Shaoshi Mountain, while the iconic "Central Peak" mainly refers to Taishi Mountain. In this article, we’ll talk about how to spend one day fully enjoying the essence of Songshan without getting exhausted. Morning: Head straight to Shaolin to experience the martial arts legend It’s recommended to stay overnight in Dengfeng city or somewhere close to the scenic area. Make sure to set off early in the morning, ideally arriving at the Shaolin Temple scenic area entrance before 8 AM. Going early means fewer people, fresher air, and avoiding the large tourist groups for a peaceful visit! Inside the scenic area, there are three main highlights, best visited in this order: The first stop is definitely the Shaolin Temple Changzhu Courtyard. This is the "Shaolin Temple" we all imagine. The mountain gate, ginkgo trees, stele forest, and Lixue Pavilion... walking inside, it feels like a martial monk might suddenly appear from a corner to practice kung fu. It’s recommended to listen to the guided tour; the stories about the thirteen stick monks saving the Tang king and the unity of Chan and martial arts are much more interesting than just looking at the buildings. After visiting the Changzhu Courtyard, head west a short distance to the Pagoda Forest. This is the resting place of many high monks throughout history, with hundreds of ancient pagodas in various shapes, very solemn. Remember to keep quiet as a sign of respect for the ancestors. Next comes the physical challenge—should you hike to the Bodhidharma Cave or take the cable car? If your stamina is moderate, we strongly recommend spending a bit to take the Songyang Cable Car up Shaoshi Mountain. The cable car is a hollow basket with a valley right beneath your feet, quite thrilling. After getting off, walk along the plank road all the way to the famous Sanhuang Village, an excellent spot to enjoy the natural scenery of Shaoshi Mountain. The red quartz cliffs are especially spectacular. This route offers stunning views but takes about 3 hours round trip, so pace yourself. Noon: Replenish energy with vegetarian Shaolin cuisine After leaving the Shaolin scenic area, it’s about time for lunch. There are many restaurants around Shaolin Temple and in Dengfeng city. Since you’re here, try the Shaolin vegetarian meal—light but very distinctive. In the city, you can also try local Henan specialties like Huimian noodles and spicy soup, which are very authentic. While eating, plan your afternoon: if you’re tired from the morning hike, take the easier route; if you still have energy, challenge the main peak of Taishi Mountain. Afternoon: Choose one—cultural tour or summit challenge There are two main options for the afternoon: Option A (Cultural Leisure Tour): Visit Zhongyue Temple + Astronomical Observatory Take a taxi or bus to Zhongyue Temple. This is the best-preserved ancient architectural complex among the Five Great Mountains, very large and full of history. Red walls, yellow tiles, towering ancient trees—it feels like stepping back in time. After touring Zhongyue Temple, if time allows, visit the Astronomical Observatory. This is where the Yuan dynasty scientist Guo Shoujing conducted astronomical research. It’s China’s oldest existing observatory. Although it looks like just an earthen platform with stone pillars, knowing the history makes it impressive. Option B (Summit Challenge): Climb to the summit of Junji Peak on Taishi Mountain Take a taxi from the city to the entrance of Songyang Academy. First, visit this top-level academy from the Northern Song dynasty and see the statue of the great general Bai. Then start the real climb! It takes about 3-4 hours at a normal pace from Songyang Academy to the main peak, Junji Peak. The mountain path is a bit steep but shaded by trees, and the scenery becomes more open as you ascend. Reaching the summit is an amazing feeling! The stone tablet inscribed with "Junji to the Sky" is right there, overlooking the mountains, truly experiencing the grandeur of the "Central Peak." You can descend the same way or take the longer route via Luyai Waterfall, but the latter requires enough time. Evening: Wrap up and return Whichever option you choose, you should start heading back around 5 PM. If you climbed the peak, you’ll be exhausted—find a good restaurant in the city to enjoy a hot meal and reward yourself. If you chose the cultural tour, you’ll have more time to stroll around Dengfeng city, buy some Shaolin Temple-related souvenirs (like prayer beads or kung fu figurines) or Henan specialties (like Xinzheng red dates) as mementos. A few thoughtful tips: 1. Wear the right shoes: You’ll walk a lot this day, so comfortable, non-slip sneakers are a lifesaver. 2. Bring enough water and snacks: Hiking consumes a lot of energy, and food inside the scenic area is expensive, so it’s wise to carry some dry food and water. 3. Check the weather in advance: Sunny days offer the best views, but if rain is forecast, bring a raincoat as mountain paths get slippery and unsafe. 4. Know the "two mountains": Shaoshi Mountain (for Shaolin Temple and Sanhuang Village, natural wonders) and Taishi Mountain (for climbing Junji Peak, cultural highlights). Choose your focus based on your interests. 5. Beware of "masters": In the Shaolin Temple area, if someone is overly eager to read your fortune or sell expensive incense, politely decline and walk away. In summary, the key to enjoying Songshan is "planning ahead and making choices." It’s a large area with a lot to see, so it’s impossible to cover every corner in one day. Follow the suggested pace, pick a route you like, and you’ll both touch the pulse of a thousand years of culture and appreciate nature’s wonders. That will make your Central Peak trip complete! Have fun and take lots of great photos!