Shaolin Temple (Shaolin Monastery)

Nestled in the shadow of Mt. Song, the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, Luoyang, is the original home of wushu, or Chinese kung fu, and the historic base of the Shaolin warrior monks. Despite a devastating fire set by a warlord in 1928, which destroyed much of the temple, most of the structures have been rebuilt. Today, visitors can witness live kung fu performances by the monks and observe aspiring students from around the world who come to train in this revered martial art. The temple’s serene setting and rich history offer a unique glimpse into the traditions and practices that have shaped Chinese martial arts for centuries.