Name: Dengfeng

Chinese name: 登封

Province: Henan

Status: District city

Population: 610,869

Area: 1,220 km²

Dengfeng, located approximately 80 km from Zhengzhou in Henan, is a tranquil small city nestled at the foot of Taishi Shan and Song Shan.

Dengfeng makes for a peaceful base to explore the celebrated surrounding sites: Mount Song and the Shaolin Temple. A journey to Dengfeng will immerse you in the heart of Kung Fu and allow you to connect with the Shaolin spirit.

History

Formerly known as Yangcheng, the city served as the capital of China under the reign of Yu the Great, the first king of the Xia Dynasty.

Today

Dengfeng is a charming small city surrounded by mountains. It serves as the perfect base for discovering the famous Shaolin Temple.

Numerous trails lead into the surrounding hills and offer magnificent vistas across the mountains, promising delightful outdoor hiking experiences.

The city played an important role in the development of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and martial arts in China. It earned the nickname China's Kung Fu capital due to the many martial arts schools established here. The most celebrated structure remains Shaolin Temple, a Chan Buddhist temple located on Mount Song, where martial arts training is practiced. Still in operation, the monastery welcomes millions of Chinese and international visitors each year. Beyond its martial arts significance, the complex reveals itself through pavilions with courtyards, halls and its forest of pagodas set within undulating terrain.

For travelers interested in Kung Fu, it is possible to discover other schools that are more authentic and less frequented by tourists. Shaolin Tagou Martial Arts School, Epo Martial Arts School and Xiaolong School continue to welcome students for traditional Kung Fu training.

The city's long history has left behind vestiges and historical relics that will help you become further acquainted with Chinese culture.

Climate

The city of Dengfeng enjoys a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons.

The average annual temperature reaches 14°C. January, the coldest month, has an average temperature of -1°C, while July, the warmest month, reaches 24.8°C.

The best periods to visit Dengfeng and explore Shaolin Temple are spring, from March through April, and August through October. Do remember to bring warm clothing, as temperatures tend to drop as you approach Mount Songshan.

Regular buses connect Zhengzhou to Dengfeng in just 1.5 hours of travel.

Buses from Luoyang also operate to Dengfeng.

Shuttle buses run between Dengfeng and the entrance to Shaolin Temple.

What to Do in Dengfeng?

• Immerse yourself in the philosophy of martial arts at the Shaolin Temple.
• Witness a Kung Fu training session at one of Dengfeng's martial arts schools.
• Hike along the trails on Mount Song.
• Observe the stars at the Guanxing Tai Observatory.