[2025 Dengfeng Attraction] Travel Guide for Zhongyue Temple (Updated Mar)

✅ A long, long time ago, I learned about Mount Songshan, the Central Sacred Mountain, because of the movie "Shaolin Temple," and then I learned about Dengfeng, Henan, because of Mount Songshan. Now, this place name that has lingered in my mind for many years has finally been revealed: the "Center of Heaven and Earth," a World Cultural Heritage site. With 11 buildings and relics, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism coexist here, and ancient sacrifices, ancient technology, and modern folk customs unfold a 3,000-year-long scroll of Chinese civilization. ✅ World Heritage Site: Zhongyue Temple, a grand Taoist temple that can be called the "Little Forbidden City of the Central Plains." 📍 It originated more than 2,200 years ago during the Qin Dynasty as a temple for worshipping the god of Mount Songshan. The "Taishi Que" (stone gate) built 1,900 years ago during the Eastern Han Dynasty is its sacred way gate. Although it has moved several times, it has never been interrupted. It is said that the Celestial Master Zhang Daoling once practiced on Mount Songshan, and the Taoist tradition is pure and long-lasting. 📍 The existing building complex was renovated in the Qing Dynasty, imitating the layout of the Forbidden City. The "Tianzhong Pavilion," with its "Zhongyue Miao" plaque, resembles the Tiananmen Gate in appearance, complete with ornamental columns, red walls, and gate towers. The only difference is that the glazed tiles on the roof are green. 📍 It is grand in scale, with seven courtyards on 11 levels, covering 110,000 square meters, the largest of the Five Sacred Mountains. The main hall, "Junjue Dian," has a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, nine bays, three-sectioned six-panel rhombus lattice windows, and yellow glazed tiles, all of the highest grade, reflecting the high status of the God of Mount Songshan, the "Chongsheng Dadi Zhong Tianwang." 📍 In the first courtyard inside the Junji Gate, there are four halls on the east, south, west, and north sides, each dedicated to one of the Four Sacred Mountains, guarding the main hall, seemingly highlighting the status of Mount Songshan as the "center of the four directions, unifying Tai, Hua, Heng, and Heng"? ✅ Caught in a sudden drop in temperature during the spring chill, I passed by in a hurry, and the most impressive thing was the inscriptions. 📍 Five Sacred Mountains Diagram. For the first time, I learned that the Five Sacred Mountains are not just mountains but are transformed from true forms, and they look quite cute and full of spiritual power, which was an eye-opener. There are many interpretations of this shape, which seem to be divided into legendary and scientific versions. Legendary version: Azure Dragon of the East (rain-bringing dragon), Vermilion Bird of the South (food-eating bird), White Tiger of the West (grinning cloth tiger), Black Tortoise of the North (three-legged turtle), surrounding the person in the middle house. Or they correspond to "water, fire, metal, wood, and earth." Scientific version: Contour map of the Five Sacred Mountains, pointing to the mountain shape and spiritual veins. However, one thing is certain: it is a Taoist amulet. 📍 Wei Stele. "The Stele of the Zhongyue Songgao Lingmiao Temple," the oldest stele in the temple, is full of vigor. ✅ There are also four iron men from the Song Dynasty, the "Zhenku Generals" guarding the divine treasury, still majestic after thousands of years, with full muscles on their backs. It seems that the Song people had a healthy aesthetic! ✅ The wind and rain were fierce, and I only caught a glimpse, full of regret. I'll leave a thought and come back to visit the temple fair next time.

The first stop in Dengfeng was Zhongyue Temple. Like the Dai Temple on Mount Tai, it was an official temple for worshipping the Five Sacred Mountains and is now a national key cultural relic preservation site. Zhongyue Temple was formerly known as Taishi Shrine in the Qin Dynasty and was named Zhongyue Temple in the Northern Wei Dynasty. It was destroyed by fire in the late Ming Dynasty and was completely renovated during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, based on the layout of the Forbidden City. Therefore, some people call it the "Small Forbidden City in the Sky." Most of the existing buildings are from the Qing Dynasty. The scenic area is quite large, with the main buildings located along the central axis. The main attractions are (ancient buildings + stone tablets + ancient trees). The temple is very popular for burning incense, with many people burning whole bundles of yellow paper/yuanbao. Free incense is also available for ordinary visitors. The visit takes about 1–2 hours. The entrance fee is 30 yuan. It is not far from the urban area, and Taishi Que is just opposite the scenic area. Overall, it is worth a visit.

📍Destination: "Only Henan" Theatre 📅Recommended duration: 2 days and 1 night 🌟Day 1: Immersive Cultural Experience 1️⃣Morning: Arrive in Zhengzhou and head straight to the "Only Henan" Theatre! We recommend purchasing a 2-day pass (CNY 390), which includes 3 main shows and all small theatre performances within the park. It offers great value!🎟️ • Recommended main shows: • "Train Station": Set against the backdrop of the 1942 Henan famine, experience the resilience and sacrifice of the Henan people.💔 • "Li Family Village": This show tells the story of how older generations struggled to put food on the table, warmly presenting rural life in Henan.🏠 • "Magic City": Stunning lighting effects create an experience that feels like traveling through time and conversing with people from the past.✨ 2️⃣Afternoon: Stroll through the park and check in at photo spots📸 • Entrance: The Time Capsule Gate, full of nostalgic charm. • Hongmiao School: A retro elementary school classroom that will take you back to your childhood. • Qiantai: Pavilions and towers combining traditional and modern elements. • Chair Array: Cyberpunk style with a strong sense of composition. 3️⃣Evening: Enjoy dinner inside the park🍽️. We recommend the Wheat Wave Restaurant, which is affordable. Afterwards, watch the nightly closing show, culminating in a wheat field fireworks display. The visual impact is breathtaking!🎆 🏨Accommodation: We recommend staying at the Only Theatre Hotel inside the park. The package includes tickets, breakfast, and shuttle bus service, making it super convenient! 🌟Day 2: Recommended nearby attractions 1️⃣Morning: Visit Songshan Scenic Area🏞️ and experience the magnificence of the "Middle Mountain" of the Five Great Mountains. It includes historical building complexes such as Shaolin Temple, Songyang Academy, and Zhongyue Temple. The winter snow scenery is particularly stunning!❄️ 2️⃣Afternoon: Return to Zhengzhou city and visit the Henan Museum🏛️. It houses over 170,000 cultural relics, including nine "Town Hall Treasures" such as the Jiahu bone flute and the Fu Hao owl zun. Admission is free, but reservations are required!🎫 3️⃣Evening: Visit Erqi Square🎆, one of Zhengzhou's landmarks. It is even more charming at night when illuminated. Afterwards, you can take photos at the nearby David City or the "Big Corn" building and enjoy the city nightscape.🌃 🍽️Food recommendations: • 24 Chuan: Authentic Sichuan cuisine. We recommend the Tai'an fish and spicy chicken.🌶️ • Kaifeng Soup Dumplings: Pork soup dumplings with thin skin, rich filling, and delicious broth.🥟 • Je 3000: A leader in Cantonese cuisine, each dish is exquisite and delicious.🍲 🚗Transportation guide: • By car: Navigate directly to the "Only Henan" Theatre or the Songshan Scenic Area parking lot. • Public transport: Take a bus or subway from Zhengzhou city to various attractions. 💡Tips: • Book tickets and accommodation in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling. • Wear comfortable shoes, as the park is large and requires walking. • Dress warmly, especially when visiting Songshan in winter. Come to Zhengzhou and embark on an unforgettable journey combining an immersive cultural experience with the beauty of the surrounding area!🎈🎈🎈

Golden autumn is here! Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Come to Dengfeng! This 2-day travel guide is a must-have. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience the thousand-year-old culture. -------- 🎈🎈Itinerary:🎈🎈 🌟Day 1: Shaolin Temple -> Zen Shaolin Grand Ceremony Immerse yourself in the ancient relics of Shaolin Temple and enjoy the wonderful Zen Shaolin Grand Ceremony. Let your mind fly in the melody of music and history. 🌟Day 2: Songyang Academy -> Zhongyue Temple Visit the ancient Songyang Academy and experience the charm of ancient schools. Then, go to Zhongyue Temple to experience the deep cultural heritage and make your trip full of knowledge and fun. -------- Must-see attractions: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Shaolin Temple Address: Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area, G207, Dengfeng, Zhengzhou, Henan Opening hours: 07:00-17:00 Duration: 2-4 hours The origin of Zen and martial arts. Practice martial arts and pray for blessings. Definitely worth a visit. 👍 🌟🌟🌟Songyang Academy Address: About 100 meters northeast of the intersection of Taishi Road and Songyang Road, Dengfeng, Zhengzhou (in Songyang Scenic Area) Opening hours: 08:00-17:00 Duration: 1-2 hours A thousand years of history. You can feel the accumulation of knowledge at first sight. 📖 🌟🌟🌟Zen Shaolin Grand Ceremony Address: Daixiangou, 10 km from Shaolin Street Opening hours: Feb 24 - Dec 31, 20:00-21:15 Duration: 1-2 hours Zen and martial arts, music and mountains. You will be amazed by the show. 🥁 🌟🌟🌟Zhongyue Temple Address: No. 818, East Section of Shaolin Avenue, Dengfeng, Zhengzhou Opening hours: 08:00-18:00 Duration: 1-2 hours Ancient cypresses and ancient buildings. Come and experience the magnificence. 🏯 -------- Notes: 1. Food: Dengfeng has a wide variety of local delicacies. 😋 We especially recommend Henan cuisine. It has a unique taste and is worth a try. But pay attention to the hygiene of the restaurant. 2. Photo spots: Shaolin Temple and Songshan Mountain are great places to take photos 📸 with their ancient scenery. The night view of Songshan Mountain is not to be missed. 3. Specialty prices: When buying specialties, be sure to compare prices 💰 to avoid unnecessary expenses. Also, be sure to buy specialties from regular stores. 4. December climate: The climate in Dengfeng in December is cold, with temperatures ranging from a few degrees below zero to around ten degrees. 🌡️ Remember to bring warm clothes to keep warm. -------- Every corner of Dengfeng has a story waiting for you to explore. We hope you find your own peace and strength here. ✨✨

2-Day Dengfeng Itinerary: Follow This Guide and Never Get Lost! This super practical guide will help you explore Dengfeng with ease. Don't miss out! 🌈🌟 -------------------- 🏞️ Itinerary Overview: DAY 1️⃣: Shaolin Temple - Zen Shaolin Grand Ceremony Visit the ancient Shaolin Temple and experience the fusion of martial arts and Zen. In the evening, enjoy the stunning Zen Shaolin Grand Ceremony, an immersive performance that offers a unique insight into Shaolin culture. DAY 2️⃣: Songyang Academy - Zhongyue Temple Stroll through Songyang Academy and appreciate the charm of ancient academies. Then, head to Zhongyue Temple to explore Taoist culture and experience the religious atmosphere of the Central Plains. -------------------- Must-Visit Attractions: 🏯 Shaolin Temple: The birthplace of Zen Buddhism and martial arts! Come here to practice martial arts and pray for blessings. Experience the profound cultural heritage. It's definitely worth a visit. 📚 Songyang Academy: An ancient academy with a history of over a thousand years. Immerse yourself in the cultural atmosphere of ancient times and feel like you've traveled back to an era filled with the fragrance of books. 🎵 Zen Shaolin Grand Ceremony: A stunning performance that combines Zen and martial arts, music and nature. It's a feast for the senses that will leave you in awe. 🏛️ Zhongyue Temple: Ancient cypress trees tower over the temple, and the historic buildings exude grandeur and solemnity, inspiring reverence. -------------------- Travel Tips: 🌦 Dengfeng in December is cold and dry, so remember to bring moisturizing and warm items! 🎉 The people of Dengfeng are warm and hospitable. You can experience local customs and folk arts. 🍜 Don't miss Dengfeng's stewed noodles and spicy soup. These authentic delicacies will satisfy your taste buds! 📸 Shaolin Temple, Mount Song, and other attractions are worth visiting. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery. 🚗 Dengfeng has convenient transportation, but the mountain roads are complex. Be extra cautious when driving. -------------------- Come to Dengfeng to experience the charm of the martial arts capital and the unique local customs. It's a trip you won't regret!

The Zhongyue Temple in Dengfeng is the earliest Daoist base in the Mount Song area, established during the Qin Dynasty. Originally, it was built to worship the Zhongyue deity. Historical figures such as Emperor Wu of Han, Empress Wu Zetian, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Emperor Taizu of Song, and Emperor Qianlong have all left their footprints here. The temple complex was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty following the layout of the Forbidden City in Beijing, and the current complex of red walls and green tiles is known as the 'Mini Forbidden City'. The temple is surrounded by ancient trees, among which a wisteria plant parasitizes an old cypress tree, its purple vines tenderly entwining in a curtain-like fashion, presenting a picturesque scene of old trees greeting the spring.

❤Recommended reason: The predecessor of Zhongyue Temple was the Taishi Shrine, which was built during the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC) as a place to worship the god of Mount Taishi. In the first year of Yuanfeng of the Western Han Dynasty (110 BC), Emperor Wu of Han visited and offered sacrifices to Mount Song, and built an additional shrine to the god of Taishi, sealing the products of the land below as offerings to the shrine. During the Northern Wei Dynasty, after three relocations, the site was officially named Zhongyue Temple. 👍Most recommended: In the first year of Tian Ce Wan Sui (696 AD), Wu Zetian ascended Mount Song to seal Zhongyue, and conferred the title on the god of Zhongyue. Zhongyue Temple was the earliest base of Taoism in the Songshan area, originally established to worship the god of Zhongyue, and Taoists honor Zhongyue Temple as the 'Sixth Minor Grotto-Heaven'. 👍Most recommended: At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, due to the chaos of war, the temple collapsed severely. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, especially during the Qianlong period, Zhongyue Temple underwent a large-scale comprehensive renovation following the style of the Qing Old Palace in Beijing, hence Zhongyue Temple is also known as the 'Miniature Forbidden City'. The existing buildings largely retain the scale of the Qing Dynasty's reconstruction.

There is a Shaolin Temple in Henan, which is well known. Because I have been filming, I often appear in martial arts novels, so I am very famous. Not far from Shaolin Temple, there is a larger ancient architectural complex, which has a longer history than Shaolin Temple and there are not many people to visit. is in the same city as Denglin Temple in Dengfeng City. Zhongyue Temple has a history of more than 2,000 years. Zhongyue Temple is relatively close to Dengfeng City, only 4 kilometers. The predecessor of Zhongyue Temple was Taizuo, which existed in the Western Han Dynasty. In the Zhongyue Temple, there are many ancient trees. There are more than 330 ancient cypresses from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. These large ancient trees have nameplates, which record the age of the tree. There are also many trees over 3,000 years old. The area of Zhongyue Temple is about 110,000 square meters, almost twice the area of Shaolin Temple. This is the largest ancient architectural complex in Henan Province. Iron Man is a rare treasure of Zhongyue Temple. There are four iron people in the Zhongyue Temple. They were cast in the Northern Song Dynasty and have a history of nearly a thousand years. It is said that the locals believe that the iron man has the effect of curing the disease. Where there is pain in the body, it is better to touch the corresponding part of the iron man. In 2010, the historical buildings in the world were included in the World Cultural Heritage, including the Zhongyue Temple and Shaolin Temple and a total of eight other historical buildings.