Songyang Academy
08:30–17:00
Tickets at the gate or via the Songshan official platform
¥30 (approx. $4)
1.5–2 hours
A quiet, scholarly counterpart to the martial energy of Shaolin. Founded in 484 CE as a Buddhist temple, later converted to a Taoist site, and finally the Confucian academy where the Neo-Confucian masters Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi lectured. Do not miss the two 4,500-year-old cypresses and the Great Tang Stele.
🚌 Getting there
2 km north of Dengfeng city centre — taxi or bus No. 2/6 from Dengfeng bus station.
🙇 Etiquette & taboos for international visitors
- This remains an active cultural site — quiet conversation only in the lecture halls.
- Touching the ancient cypresses for luck damages their bark; please do not.
📷 Photography rules
The Tang stele and the two great cypresses are the classic shots; soft morning light through the cypress shade works best.
🌧 Rainy day / low season / holidays
Almost fully outdoor — bring rain gear. The stele pavilion offers limited shelter.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📝 Visitor notes
2026-08-22 — Sanhuangzhai cableway stopped tickets at 15:50 on a rainy afternoon, earlier than posted 16:00.
Start the ridge walk before 13:00 if rain is forecast.
User shared — verify with official sources before travelling.
2026-07-30 — Passport counter at Shaolin moved to the right side of the main gate.
Go there directly if the mini-program rejects your passport number.
User shared — verify with official sources before travelling.