8–12 hours
3 languages
Instant confirmation
Private tour

Highlights

Zip from Beijing to the legendary Shaolin Temple in style on this full-day private guided tour—round-trip high-speed rail tickets included for a seamless, time-saving journey! Meet your dedicated English-speaking guide in Zhengzhou, then head straight to the world-famous birthplace of kung fu for an immersive cultural adventure. You’ll have plenty of time to watch a jaw-dropping martial arts performance showcasing gravity-defying moves and authentic Shaolin combat skills, delve into the temple’s 1,500-year history and Zen Buddhist heritage with your knowledgeable guide’s insider insights, and marvel at China’s largest pagoda forest, a solemn landmark dotted with ancient stone stupas honoring revered monks. No hidden costs—this all-inclusive tour covers round-trip high-speed rail fares, all entrance fees, private vehicle transfers, and expert guiding, letting you focus solely on soaking up the magic of Shaolin without a single worry.

Inclusions

What's included

Hotel pick up and drop off (Beijing downtown hotels only)
Private guide
Private air-conditioned comfortable car
Round trip 2nd class train tickets
Entrance fee

What's not

Hotel pick-up does not include hotels in the outskirts. If your hotel is not in the downtown your guide will provide instructions on where to meet downtown
Gratuities
Meals

Itinerary

Experience the legendary birthplace of kung fu on this seamless full-day private tour, designed for hassle-free exploration of Shaolin Temple’s cultural wonders. Your journey begins with a private driver picking you up from your Beijing hotel and dropping you off at Beijing West Railway Station for your high-speed rail ride to Zhengzhou. Upon arrival, your dedicated English-speaking local guide will be waiting at the station exit to greet you, then whisk you away to Shaolin Temple via private vehicle.
15 min
Upon arrival, meet your friendly local tour guide, you will be transferred to Shaolin Temple directly (approx. 1.5 hours drive), on the way your tour guide will explain the related history of the Shaolin Temple, and you will enjoy the beautiful countryside view. Once arrive at Shaolin Temple, you will stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch. Shaolin Temple is famous for Chinese Kungfu, first you will have a chance to witness the real Kung Fu performed by Shaolin monks. As a UNESCO Site, the Shaolin Temple was first constructed in 495 A.D. Later, Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-557) had the temple built to accommodate the Indian master Batuo. As Chinese Kungfu also originated from Shaolin Temple, it has been recognized as the origin of Chan Buddhism and the cradle of Kungfu. Accompanied by your knowledgeable tour guide, you will get you know the histories and related stories about Shaolin Temple - culture, people and soul.
4 hAdmission included
Afterwards, you will start to explore the Pagoda Forest which is a concentration of tomb pagodas for eminent monks and abbots of the temple. 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. After your Shaolin Temple tour finished, your tour guide will take you to Zhengzhou Railway Station for your train back to Beijing (approx. 2.5 hours). Once arrives, your driver will pick you up at Beijing West Railway Station and transfer you back to your hotel in Beijing City. Note: You will take the train on your own, your local English speaking tour guide will meet you in Zhengzhou.
1 hAdmission included

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

5.0

Ratings come from 2 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Pickup: Pickup is included for everyone.
Ticket type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operated by: Discover Beijing Tours

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Passport name and number is required at time of booking for all participants (for getting your bullet train ticket in advance)
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please wear comfortable shoes

How it compares in Beijing

Its from-price is 95% above the median of the 3624 experiences we list in Beijing.
Its length is typical for the group.
By number of reviews it ranks 1002 of 3624.

About Beijing

Beijing, China's capital for centuries, holds imperial palaces, sacred temples and stretches of the Great Wall within reach of its modern boulevards.

At the city's heart, the Forbidden City spreads behind vermilion walls, a labyrinth of halls and courtyards that housed the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tiananmen Square lies to its south, and the hill of Jingshan Park to its north gives the finest view over its golden roofs. The Temple of Heaven, set in a park where locals practise tai chi and dance, is a masterpiece of imperial design.

Top-ranked sights in Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang).

See all 3624 experiences in Beijing