Things to do in Dengfeng

We took the Shaolin cable car up to Shuce Cliff, walked a little further, and then turned back after hearing that the Liantian Plank Road was still a long way off. We visited Shaolin Temple and the Pagoda Forest before leaving, saving our energy for Laojun Mountain the next day.

The scenery at Mount Song is fantastic, and the staff are incredibly kind and helpful. During the National Day holiday, I lost my earphones on the shuttle bus. Although I realized it immediately, the bus had already left by the time I got there, and only the next one was running. The driver was very kind and helped me contact the previous driver, who also helped search for the earphones and offered words of comfort, ultimately recovering my lost earphones. I was extremely grateful. This was my first time being at a scenic spot, especially during the massive crowds of National Day, and the staff were still so helpful, demonstrating the genuine kindness and simplicity of the people of Dengfeng. Prices for goods and souvenirs were very reasonable. It was a wonderful experience, and I will definitely come back to Mount Song. I hope more people will see this excellent scenic spot, offering five-star service at one-star prices.

The scenic area is well-planned. The three main attractions are: first, walk to Songyang Academy, where the ancient trees are incredibly beautiful; then, take the sightseeing bus not far from the academy, and for 15 yuan per person, go directly to Fawang Temple to worship Buddha. After worshiping Buddha, take a tree-lined path with 360 steps that go downhill all the way to Songyue Temple Pagoda. Then, for another 15 yuan per person, take the sightseeing bus directly to the exit. The whole way is flat or downhill, so it's easy and effortless.

Taking the Shaolin cable car up and down towards Sanhuangzhai, passing the scenic wonder of Shuce Cliff, and reaching the suspension bridge, we gazed at Sanhuangzhai in the distance. However, due to time constraints, we had to abandon our journey, leaving with a sense of regret.

The price is a bit on the expensive side. But if you like the place, it's worth it. Zhongyue Temple isn't large; it's right by the roadside as soon as you enter Dengfeng. But it's definitely worth taking photos. The parking lot is above the main road with no shade, so it can be quite sunny. The scenic area itself is shaded by trees, making it relatively cooler. The Three Cypresses within the scenic area are 2500 years old, and there are several other ancient trees that are several hundred years old, enough to give you a sense of the history of Zhongyue Temple. Taishi Que, directly opposite Zhongyue Temple, is located at the end of a tree-lined avenue 500 meters south. If you know about it, I recommend visiting it as well. It's my country's No. 001 national treasure in the category of ancient architecture.

I highly recommend taking the cable car to Sanhuangzhai, unless you're a trail marathon runner. Around May 1st, the trees are lush and green, and the pink blossoms of the catalpa trees are particularly beautiful in the mountains. It even rained the night before we left, allowing us to see the misty Songshan Mountains and the rarely seen streams and waterfalls.

The scenery is magnificent! There's no cable car; it's all a hard climb (you can take a shuttle bus to Taishishan Square to save some walking). There are many mosquitoes along the way in summer, so it's best to bring mosquito repellent and essential oil. There are small shops along the route, but since everything is transported by porters, the prices are a bit high (one of the porters sang incredibly well! Unfortunately, I didn't record it). You can see tons of beautiful butterflies and gorgeous cats along the way! The cats on the mountain are so beautiful! Lots of calico and long-haired cats! This should probably help with catching mice…

There's no cable car; you have to climb the entire way. It's recommended to take the shuttle bus to the trailhead to conserve energy. The climb takes about 3-4 hours, similar to Mount Tai. Those with poor stamina are advised against attempting it, as there's no turning back once you start. The scenery along the way is average, not as beautiful as the Shuce Cliff at Shaoshi Mountain. However, the view from the summit is quite nice, and you can take commemorative photos with the altitude marker. The descent takes about 1-2 hours. The route down from Fawang Temple is the fastest, but the scenery is the least impressive. Those who enjoy hiking can still give it a try, as it's Mount Song, the Central Peak, and the place where Empress Wu Zetian performed the Fengshan ceremony.