Shaolin Temple

For an authentic Chinese martial arts experience, Shaolin Temple has it all. As Buddhist temple set in the forest of the picturesque Song Mountain, the temple conjures up every image of idyllic mountain-top retreat for meditative evolution you can think of. Shaolin is actually a cluster of buildings with multiple intricately decorated halls that were established in the 5th century when the first Indian master introduced Zen Buddhism to China. Just as amazing is the extensive pagoda forest with its tombs commemorating monks revered over different dynasties. No visit to the temple would be complete without enjoying a thrilling kung fu performance, which legend has originated in the temple as exercise for monks.