FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers are checked quarterly and tagged with the last update. Each question has its own anchor URL for easy sharing.
Visiting rules & etiquette Getting there & around Reservations & tickets Food, stays & souvenirs Kung fu & meditation
Visiting rules & etiquette
What is the single most important etiquette rule at Shaolin Temple?
Treat active worship spaces as active: keep quiet in halls, dress covering shoulders and knees, and never photograph monks without asking. Updated 2026-08.
Are drones allowed?
Not without prior written approval from the scenic area administration. Fines apply. Updated 2026-08.
Getting there & around
What is the best way to reach Dengfeng from Zhengzhou airport?
Airport high-speed rail to Songshan station (~40 min), then taxi 25 min. Direct airport buses also run (~1.5 h). Updated 2026-07.
Do taxis take international credit cards?
No — use cash, or set up Alipay/WeChat Pay with your international card before arriving (both link Visa/Mastercard since 2023). Updated 2026-07.
Reservations & tickets
Can foreigners complete real-name reservation without a Chinese ID?
Yes — passports work on the official WeChat mini-program and at staffed counters at all main sites. Updated 2026-08.
Is there a combined ticket for multiple sites?
The ¥80 Shaolin ticket covers the temple, Pagoda Forest and Sanhuangzhai. Other sites are ticketed individually. Updated 2026-08.
Food, stays & souvenirs
Is vegetarian food widely available?
Yes — Yongtai Temple vegetarian restaurant is the flagship; city restaurants always have vegetable and tofu dishes. Updated 2026-06.
Kung fu & meditation
Do I need to speak Chinese to train?
No for the short-term programs at the three listed schools — all have English-speaking staff or interpreters. Updated 2026-08.
What is the fitness requirement for the kung fu intro week?
BMI ≤ 30, no severe cardio-pulmonary conditions, and ability to walk 3 km continuously. Updated 2026-08.