Overview
Embark on a private day tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou, a perfect blend of martial arts legacy and ancient Buddhist art. Watch a breathtaking kung fu performance with masterful martial arts moves, and explore the profound history and culture of Shaolin Temple alongside a knowledgeable English-speaking guideâwho will deliver in-depth insights and unravel the fascinating stories behind every landmark, including Chinaâs largest pagoda forest. Then visit the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Longmen Grottoes, where thousands of exquisitely carved Buddhist statues adorn the dramatic limestone cliffs, with your guideâs vivid commentary bringing these ancient artworks to life. This exclusive private tour includes a delicious local lunch, all entrance fees, a professional English-speaking guide and round-trip private transfer.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Private tour
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Transport by private vehicle + Hotel pickup and drop-off (For hotels in Zhengzhou city)
- Fuel surcharge
- Entrance fee
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- The tour is about 8-10 hours, if you want to extend the tour, please pay 30USD to your guide and driver for each extra hour
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
In the morning, your professional English-speaking guide and private driver will pick you up promptly from your Zhengzhou hotel. Board a private air-conditioned vehicle for an approximately 1.5-hour drive to Shaolin Temple, where your guide will share in-depth backgroundâits over 1,500-year history as the birthplace of Chinese kung fu and cradle of Zen Buddhism.
Stop 2
Upon arrival, your guide will take you to the kung fu performance venue at the optimal time. Witness a breathtaking live show featuring precise fists, agile kicks, and impressive weapon routinesâauthentic Shaolin martial arts at its finest, showcasing the monksâ years of dedication and the seamless blend of physical strength and Zen philosophy. After the show, your guide will lead you into the ancient temple complex, where youâll wander halls adorned with vivid traditional murals and sacred artifacts, breathing in the serene atmosphere of this millennia-old spiritual haven.
Stop 3
Next, explore Chinaâs largest pagoda forest behind the temple with your guide. 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. Wander among over 240 stone pagodas of varying heights and stylesâfinal resting places of eminent Shaolin monksâwhile your guide shares their stories, explaining how each pagodaâs size and carvings reflect the monkâs status and era, highlighting their unique architectural and cultural value. After exploring Shaolin Temple and the pagoda forest, enjoy a delicious authentic local lunch to refuel for the afternoonâs journey.
Stop 4
In the afternoon, take a 1-hour private drive to Longmen Grottoes, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,400 years of history and exquisite ancient Buddhist stone carvings. Along the scenic Yi River path, admire thousands of statues embedded in steep limestone cliffs. Your guide will focus on iconic sites like Fengxian Temple, home to the 17.14-meter-high Vairocana Buddha, sharing its Tang Dynasty construction story, intricate craftsmanship, and religious significance, as well as the evolution of carving styles across dynasties and hidden details of these artistic masterpieces. After your comprehensive exploration of Longmen Grottoes, your guide and driver will safely transfer you back to your Zhengzhou hotel, concluding your unforgettable private day tour.
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adultâs lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- The tour is about 8-10 hours, if you want to extend the tour, please pay 30USD to your guide and driver for each extra hour
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required