Quanzhou Shaolin Temple (Southern Shaolin)

Quanzhou Shaolin Temple (Southern Shaolin)

Quanzhou Shaolin Temple (Southern Shaolin) is a cultural tourism attraction.

Quanzhou Shaolin Temple, also known as Zhen Guo Dong Chan Temple and commonly referred to as Southern Shaolin, is located at the eastern foot of Qingyuan Mountain in Quanzhou. Legend has it that it was built by the monk Zhikong, one of the thirteen kung fu monks who once saved Emperor Taizong of Tang, after he entered Fujian. The Southern Shaolin Temple in Quanzhou was first established during the Tang Dynasty, flourished in the Song Dynasties, and has a history of over a thousand years. Despite experiencing several periods of rise and decline, historical relics still remain.

• All martial arts under heaven come from Shaolin—come see the legendary Southern Shaolin Temple.

• Admire the uniquely shaped Lotus Vase Guanyin statue in the Guanyin Pavilion.

• Watch a Shaolin martial arts performance in the Martial Arts Hall.

Attraction Introduction

Wuxia films and martial arts novels often say, “All martial arts under heaven come from Shaolin,” and within Shaolin, there are distinctions between Northern and Southern Shaolin. Quanzhou Shaolin Temple, originally named “Zhen Guo Dong Chan Shaolin Temple,” is the legendary Southern Shaolin. The late Qing Dynasty book *Secrets of Shaolin Fist Techniques* states: "At that time, there were two Shaolin temples in China—one in the Central Plains and one in Central Fujian." Research by Tang Hao confirmed that this “Central Fujian” Shaolin refers to the Quanzhou Shaolin, thereby establishing the status of Quanzhou Southern Shaolin.

From the Tang Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, Quanzhou Shaolin Temple underwent three periods of prosperity and three of decline. It wasn’t until October 1992 that the Southern Shaolin Temple in Quanzhou was rebuilt, so the current cultural depth is somewhat limited, as the buildings are all newly constructed.

It is located at the foot of Dongyue Mountain, part of the Qingyuan Mountain range in Quanzhou. There is a sign at the base of the mountain that reads “Shaolin Temple 600m,” but in reality, it’s more than 600 meters on foot—it’s about one kilometer to reach the mountain gate.

This place certainly lives up to your expectations of a Shaolin Temple from martial arts movies. Its architecture is majestic. After passing through the mountain gate, you’ll first see the Heavenly King Hall, followed by the Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Pavilion, and Scripture Depository along the central axis, with the Arhat Hall, Bodhidharma Hall, Administrative Office, and Ancestral Hall on either side. There’s also a Martial Arts Hall at the mountain gate where martial arts performances are held. Additionally, there’s a Shaolin Temple Cultural Square.

The temple structure is built in tiers following the contour of the mountain, and the corridors on both sides are carved with images of warrior monks performing various boxing and staff techniques. The Guanyin statue inside the Guanyin Pavilion is also a major highlight—it is carved from two blocks of African padauk wood, standing 12 meters tall. If you happen to catch the warrior monks practicing, that’s even more interesting. Their training usually takes place at 10:00 AM in the Martial Arts Hall, for reference.

Admission is free, so it’s a great place to come for a bit of Buddhist worship and to see the Southern Shaolin Temple. If you’re willing to get up early, you can also watch the legendary Shaolin martial arts. But beware of scammers—if someone suggests burning high-incense or offers a 10-yuan fortune-telling session, it’s a scam. Don’t believe them.

Phone

0595-22795119

Admission

Free

Opening Hours

All day

Location

Gudao Street, Fengze District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province (at the foot of Dongyue Mountain, part of the Qingyuan Mountain range)