Shaolin Monks

Trip Start Oct 01, 2007
1
14
54
Trip End Dec 20, 2007


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of China  ,
Monday, October 22, 2007

Up at the crack of dawn again.  We met up with a couple of teachers before we all bundled into the taxi (same one as that used on our day out to the longman caves).  After about an hour and a half we reached the site where the Shaolin Monks practice their Buddhism and martial arts.

As we queued for tickets we watched the children perform their morning practice of fighting and using weapons. A few quick pictures and we were off down a winding track to our first port of call - the amphitheater where the qualified Monks demonstrate their skill and flexibility to tourists.  Watching them smashing objects on their head and bend their legs in all directions was enough to make anyone wince.

The pagoda forest was next.  The majority of Monks were cremated and their ashes placed inside pagodas, hundreds of them, dotted about in a walled off wood Shoalin Monks
Shoalin Monks
 .  It wasn't too bad until Bob noticed the massive spiders looming above our heads.  We all promptly made our exit.

We had trouble deciding which method of transport to take up the surrounding mountain range - the teachers voted ski lift but Weeble and Bob chose the cable car. In the end we won and spent a good ten minutes in a glass box suspended above a ravine - much to Bob's horror.  It was worth it though just to see the spectacular views of the valley. 

Its not a trip worth going out of your way for as the sights don't justify the hefty price for entry (100RMB).  However, if you are in the area its definitely a must see attraction.
Slideshow Print this entry Zhengzhou hotels