The most famous monastery in China? Of course, Shaolin! According to scientists, the legendary Buddhist temple counts its history already from the end of the 5th century, and, apparently, it will exist for a very long time .Although, we must admit, in the fate of Shaolin there were also quite bleak times .Thus, at the beginning of the 20th century, the monastery was attacked by government troops, who took the course to destroy temples and schools of China in the martial arts .Shaolin was able to reborn only half a century later .As well as many centuries ago, today the monastery is on the sacred mountain of Songshan, which is near the city of Dengfeng .

Despite the remoteness from Chinese megacities, tourists go to Shaolin by crowds .For most foreigners, a trip to the temple is an opportunity to touch the ancient history and imbue with the atmosphere of the legendary monastery .Although there are a lot of travelers who come here for self-knowledge and training .The fact is that in addition to the usual tour of Shaolin, tourists can stay here as students .Let's say at once: such brave souls are expecting a painstaking study .They attend daily classes in kung fu, study Chinese in parallel (including Chinese calligraphy), medical and meditation practices .For the pupils of the monastery comfortable living conditions were created (they are placed in separate buildings from the church) .

To become a follower of the teachings of Shaolin can be both men and women, regardless of age and profession. However, for this, together with the visa, you must receive in advance an individual invitation from the monastery (the validity period, as a rule, 180 days). Such a document can be requested directly through the main office of Shaolin in China (e-mail: shaolintemple495@gmail.com, wangyumin88@hotmail.com, phone +86 371-673-000-86, +86 138-038-558-41)

For sightseeing visits in Shaolin, almost all rooms and rooms are available, but they should behave accordingly, observing the rules of decency. Remember that you are in a sacred place, there is unacceptably excessive fun and other frivolities. To photograph the interiors and statues you like best with the permission of the representative of the monastery accompanying you.

You can get to Shaolin by train or bus from the city of Zhengzhou. Transport here is well established (buses from the monastery depart every half hour). The journey takes about one and a half hours. But before Zhengzhou will have to get on the plane, but also with a transfer (in Shanghai or Beijing). There is no direct flight from Moscow to Zhengzhou.

Entrance to Shaolin: 100 CNY (May 2014).

Alley, Shaolin

Entrance to the temple, Shaolin

Monks at the Shaolin Temple

Forest stupas, Shaolin

Statue, Shaolin

Pagodas, Shaolin