Ancient Temple Sites Cluster
Songyue Pagoda 08:30–17:00; Fawang Temple 08:00–17:30; Huishan Temple 09:00–16:30
No reservation needed; tickets at each site
¥25–40 per site
Half day for all three by taxi
Three sites for the slow traveller: Songyue Pagoda (523 CE) is China's oldest surviving brick pagoda and a 12-sided masterpiece; Fawang Temple holds some of the oldest pagoda tombs; Huishan Temple preserves a Tang dynasty astronomical observatory used by the monk Yixing.
🚌 Getting there
All three lie on the south slope of Mount Song near Dengfeng. No direct bus — a taxi circuit of all three costs about ¥60–80.
🙇 Etiquette & taboos for international visitors
- These are active or restored worship sites; follow the same hall rules as Shaolin.
- Do not make rubbings of or trace the steles — this damages them and is prohibited.
📷 Photography rules
Songyue Pagoda is best photographed in late afternoon from the southeast corner. Drones require prior approval from the scenic area office.
🌧 Rainy day / low season / holidays
Light rain suits these wooded sites; paths are paved but mossy — watch your footing.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📝 Visitor notes
2026-08-22 — Sanhuangzhai cableway stopped tickets at 15:50 on a rainy afternoon, earlier than posted 16:00.
Start the ridge walk before 13:00 if rain is forecast.
User shared — verify with official sources before travelling.
2026-07-30 — Passport counter at Shaolin moved to the right side of the main gate.
Go there directly if the mini-program rejects your passport number.
User shared — verify with official sources before travelling.