Explore SongShan: Weekend Guide for Students

Xiaolong Kungfu Academy Weekend Guide

Hello! As an overseas student at Xiaolong Kungfu Academy, you’re perfectly located to explore Dengfeng’s mountains, ancient culture, and local flavors on weekends. Below is a curated guide for travel, food, museums, coffee, shopping, and hiking, with easy access from the school.

Weekend Travel & Hiking (Near the School)

Dengfeng is nestled in the Songshan Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), offering both easy strolls and challenging hikes.

Shaolin Temple & Pagoda Forest (8-min drive from school,11 KM away)

  • Highlights: The legendary birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu. Watch live martial arts performances (10 AM/3 PM daily), explore the 1,500-year-old temple, and visit the Pagoda Forest (248 ancient stupas).
  • Ticket: ~¥80 (students discount available)

Three Emperors’ Village (少室山三皇寨) – Hiking Paradise

  • Best Hike: A 3–4 hour moderate hike on Shaoshi Mountain (part of Songshan). Features cliffside plank walkways, stunning valley views, and unique Danxia rock formations.
  • Tip: Take the cable car up (¥70) and hike down for a easier experience.

Taishi Mountain & Junji Peak (太室山峻极峰)

  • Challenge: Summit Songshan’s main peak (1,492m). A 4-hour round trip with rewarding sea of clouds views at the top.
  • Route: Start at Songyang Academy (ancient Confucian school) → Laomu Cave → Peak.

Zhaozhi Garden (招止园) – Hidden Ancient Garden (FREE!)

  • A serene, lesser-known gem near Shaolin Temple. It’s a restored Ming-Qing style garden with bridges, ponds, ancient opera stages, and a stone tablet rubbing museum (see Museums below).
  • Perfect for: A peaceful walk, photos, or quiet meditation.

Luya Waterfall (卢崖瀑布) – Summer Escape

  • A scenic, easy hike (2h) to a 40m waterfall in a lush canyon. Great for cooling down on hot weekends.

Local Food Guide (Authentic & Affordable) at Dengfeng City

Dengfeng cuisine is hearty, spicy, and full of local character.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Gaowei Spicy Dao Xiao Mian (高玮削面馆)
    • Famous local spot for spicy knife-shaved noodles with chili oil and meat sauce. ¥15–20/bowl.
  1. Dengfeng Shaobing (登封烧饼)
    • Crispy, sesame-covered flatbread. Get it stuffed with tofu pudding or spicy shredded pork (¥5–8). A street food staple!
  1. Mutton Soup (羊肉汤)
    • Rich, savory soup with tender mutton. Try Qinglin Mutton Soup (local chain). ¥20/bowl.
  1. Shaolin Vegetarian Feast (少林素斋)
    • Delicious Buddhist vegetarian dishes (no meat). Try at the temple or Shanman·Shanye Shiji (嵩小满・山野食记), a farm-to-table restaurant with mountain views.

Night Market at Dengfeng City

  • Guangming Road Night Market (光明路夜市): Stalls serving fried jelly, grilled skewers, almond tea, and more. Open 6 PM-midnight.

Museums (Deepen Your Cultural Understanding)

Fuyaoyue Ink Rubbing Museum (浮津耀墨拓片博物馆)

  • Located inside Zhaozhi Garden. Houses a stunning collection of ancient stone tablet rubbings from the Han, Wei, and Song dynasties. Free entry.

Songyang Academy Museum (嵩阳书院)

  • One of China’s Four Great Ancient Academies (1,500 years old). See the 4,500-year-old General Cypress trees and exhibits on ancient Confucian education. ¥30 ticket.

Dengfeng History Museum (登封历史博物馆)

  • Housed in an ancient Ming Dynasty City God Temple. Displays local artifacts from the Neolithic age to the Qing Dynasty. Free entry (check opening times).

Shaolin Ancient Weapons Museum (少林古兵器博物馆)

  • Small museum near the school (300m away) showcasing ancient martial arts weapons and armor. Great for kung fu enthusiasts.

Coffee Spots (Relax & Recharge) at Dengfeng City

Lane Pure Coffee (巷子里之纯咖啡)

  • A cozy, hidden gem in a quiet alley. Great hand-drip coffee and peaceful vibe. Perfect for reading or chatting.
    📍 17th Alley, 100m south of Dayu Road Bridge.

Ruixing Coffee (瑞幸咖啡 - Dayu City Branch)

  • Popular chain for affordable, quality coffee (¥15–25). Great for a quick pick-me-up while shopping.
    📍 1st Floor, Dayu City Shopping Mall.

Chaxinju (禅心居) – Coffee with Mountain Views

  • A beautiful ancient village resort near Shaolin Temple. Their café offers coffee with stunning views of the mountains and traditional courtyard.
    📍 Shaolin Scenic Area (near the temple)

Shopping (Souvenirs & Daily Needs) at Dengfeng City

Dayu City (大禹城) & Wanjia Central City (万佳中心城)

  • Dengfeng’s two largest modern shopping malls, located next to each other in the city center.
  • What to find: International brands (Zara, Nike), local fashion, cosmetics, supermarkets, cinemas, and restaurants.

Shaolin Kung Fu Souvenir Shops

  • Near the temple: Buy handmade kung fu uniforms, wooden swords, calligraphy, and Buddhist beads.
  • Near the school: Smaller shops for affordable training gear and gifts.

Local Specialties

  • Shaolin Vegetarian Biscuits (少林素饼): Sweet, crumbly cookies (great for snacks).
  • Dengfeng Mustard Greens (登封芥丝): Spicy, crispy pickles (perfect with meals).

Sample 2-Day Weekend Itinerary

Saturday: Culture & Hiking

  • Morning: Visit Shaolin Temple + Watch Kung Fu Show
  • Afternoon: Hike Three Emperors’ Village (cable car up, hike down)
  • Evening: Dinner at Gaowei Dao Xiao Mian → Relax at Lane Pure Coffee

Sunday: Nature & Relaxation

  • Morning: Explore Zhaozhi Garden & Fuyaoyue Museum (free)
  • Lunch: Farm-to-table meal at Shanman·Shanye Shiji
  • Afternoon: Light hike at Luya Waterfall OR Shopping at Dayu City
  • Evening: Stroll at Guangming Road Night Market

Tips for Overseas Students

  • Transport: Rent an electric scooter (¥30/day) for easy travel between school and town. Taxis are ~¥15-20 for trips within Dengfeng.
  • Language: Download Google Translate (offline Chinese pack) or use Pleco (dictionary app).
  • Respect: When visiting temples and gardens, dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered).
  • This guide balances adventure, culture, food, and relaxation-perfect for making the most of your weekends while training at Xiaolong Kungfu Academy.