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Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingA full day exploring Shaolin Temple—includes local lunch, Kung Fu lesson with masters, and a live performance of martial arts.
This private day tour focuses on the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Kung Fu and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided exploration takes you through its extensive history, including a visit to the impressive Pagoda Forest. You'll have the opportunity to watch a live Kung Fu performance by Shaolin disciples, showcasing their skills.
Included in the tour are all entrance tickets, a local lunch, and a hands-on Kung Fu lesson with a master. This unique session offers personalized guidance in learning fundamental Kung Fu movements. Plan for a full day; comfortable attire is recommended for the lesson and activities.
Reviews
Nestled in the Song Shan mountains, the stunning temple complex alongside sites like the Forest of the Pagodas and the 2nd Patriarch Temple is a tour that is absolutely worth the cost. I strongly suggest opting for a guide; I had Jimmy, who made the experience enriching and informative—he was outstanding. Upon arrival, we witnessed the Shaolin Monk demonstration, and I was lucky enough to be called onto the stage to learn some Tiger Boxing moves from one of the monks. It's remarkable to see the open hand techniques, weapon techniques, and the impressive Shaolin hard Qi Gong performance. As a kung fu practitioner for 45 years, visiting Shaolin has been a lifelong dream. Arriving at the Mountain Gate was awe-inspiring. Exploring the temple grounds and courtyards felt like stepping back 1,500 years. The buildings are beautifully restored, and each courtyard and pavilion offers fascinating stories that highlight the rich history of Shaolin; experiencing it firsthand is a must. The Forest of the Pagodas features around 240 stone monuments dedicated to abbots and senior monks throughout Shaolin's history. The number of levels in each pagoda indicates the individual's significance to the Temple. The last stop was the 2nd Patriarch Temple, accessed by cable car for a small fee (though I received a complimentary pass for participating in the Shaolin Monk show). The ride, lasting about 15 to 20 minutes, provides stunning aerial views of the Temple, Forest of the Pagodas, and the entire Song Shan mountain range. On the opposite peak, an enormous statue of the 1st Patriarch Boddhidharma overlooks the temple grounds. As the cable car ascended, the air grew warm, revealing a lush bamboo forest. Reaching the 2nd Patriarch Temple, I found a beautiful oasis with its four natural wells—each well offering different flavors; I particularly enjoyed the sweet and bitter ones. After the tour, I had a two-hour private kung fu lesson at the International Shaolin Kung Fu Training Centre. With my previous training, Master Wang taught me an open hand set and a Shaolin cudgel set. Jimmy kindly documented parts of my lesson and took photos, even letting us share techniques with broadswords and tiger hook swords. It was an extraordinary day, one that I will always remember. I highly recommend this tour, especially with a guide and the kung fu lesson; it's definitely worth the investment.
Our guide, Mountain, picked us up from our hotel for a private transfer to the Shaolin Temple, sharing insights about its history and the surrounding area along the way. He demonstrated exceptional knowledge. Upon arrival, he handled all ticket arrangements and guided us through the temple, including a fantastic show. We explored various buildings, with him explaining their historical significance, and visited the Pagoda Forest, where he shared details about some notable pagodas. Afterward, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a local farm before heading to a renowned Kung Fu school for a private lesson. This experience provided a fascinating glimpse into the traditional Kung Fu world, and I highly recommend this trip to anyone travelling to this region of China.
It was truly one of the best tours we experienced in China. Thank you very much; we had an excellent time and would gladly repeat it.
Cindy is hands down the best tour guide I have ever encountered! She was incredibly kind, patient, and truly a pleasure to spend time with. She listened carefully to all my requests and ensured everything was covered, clearly showing her passion for her work. I would highly recommend Cindy to anyone interested in this tour.
This experience was truly remarkable, capturing the essence of Shao Ling. It was more than just a typical sightseeing tour fraught with crowds; it became a cherished memory. Our guide, Mountain, provided exceptional care and even gave us a small gift to remember our journey. We left with nothing but the best memories.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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