Shaolin Monastery

Shaolin Monastery is not just a famous place in China: it is connected with many legends and stories. It is located on Mount Sunshan. The name of the monastery comes from its geographical location, and literally means "a monastery in the forest on Mount Shao-shi". It was founded in the fifth century AD by a monk from India, Bodhidharma, who preached Chan (Zen) Buddhism.

After reaching Mount Sunshan, Bodhidharma spent 9 years meditating in a cave on top of the mountain, sitting in front of a huge stone. The monk taught his students a unique method of meditation and physical fitness. The disciples of Bodhidharma imitated the natural movements of birds and beasts, and over the centuries these movements evolved into the highest form of unarmed combat for which Shaolin is famous.

Shaolin monks are believed to have participated in almost all the wars and uprisings in China. However, it was in connection with such combat activity that the monastery for centuries was subjected to numerous destructions and fires. By the 20th century, only a few pavilions and walls had survived in the monastery. But the Chinese government decided to restore Shaolin.

The monastery itself is a series of courtyards located on the slope of the mountain - they are one above the other, from the site to the site lead stairs. The monastery is surrounded by a wall 3 meters high. You can enter the territory through the southern gate. The perimeter of the wall is about 900 meters. Outside the wall is the Dagob Forest - each dagoba is set in memory of a particular monk. The monastery also has a martial arts museum and a statue of a giant Buddha.