4.3/5
笑和尚下山去化斋Recommended for the following reasons: First, transportation is convenient: Zhengzhou Railway Station is approximately 95 kilometers from the performance entrance. Tickets are free from Shaolin Temple Station on the Henan A Zhengzhou Ring Expressway (or exit at Dengfeng West). Second, the Songshan Valley Natural Open-Air Theater boasts a stunning performance with a large audience (approximately 1.5 hours). It's the only theater in China that integrates Zen and martial arts, and the program features exciting performances (Zen, martial arts, dance, and music). Third, tickets are affordable (regular tickets range from 100 to 300 RMB). Fourth, a one-day tour can include Zhongyue Temple in the morning, Shaolin Temple's Three Emperors Village in the afternoon, and the evening music festival (or a six- to seven-hour hike up Songshan). A two-day tour can include Zhongyue Temple and Shaolin Temple on the first day and the Songshan hike on the second day, allowing you to watch the performance in the evening (remember to bring warm clothes when the valley gets cold at night). Finally, we recommend the local snacks Dengfeng knife-cut noodles (recipe by local recipe), Dengfeng water banquet (search for Yingyang water banquet), and be sure to try the Dengfeng sesame-covered sesame pancakes (share one between four people, or one per hiker with an egg or beef filling for the entire day). In short, the landmarks of Shaolin Temple and Zhongyue Songshan are worth seeing!
5.7/5
M35***65Absolutely stunning. Recommended to anyone visiting Shaolin. A must-see! It's truly spectacular and well worth the price of admission. Practicing martial arts and cultivating Zen is the Chinese ideal of life. The stage setting, the dialogue, and the kung fu were all fantastic. Since it wasn't crowded, it was great to sit in the front row and see it up close.
