古輪Gulun Kung Fu
Life in Songshan Mountain
嵩
嵩山生活Dengfeng · Henan · Central China

Life in Songshan Mountain

The central sacred mountain of China — where heaven meets earth.

The school sits halfway between Dengfeng city and Shaolin Temple. Quiet, but fifteen minutes from either. This is what living here actually costs, what there is to do, and what the weather does.

誤解
01  Misconceptions

Misconceptions About China

China has become much easier for foreigners in recent years. Contrary to popular belief, it’s one of the least bureaucratic and most relaxed countries I’ve been to.

Attitudes to foreigners.

It’s far more common for people to give me discounts, waive fees, or refuse payment entirely than to try to overcharge me. It’s absolutely not the case that people are trying to take advantage of foreigners. If you can say “nǐ hǎo” (hello) and your country name in Chinese, people will explode with excitement and tell you your Chinese is amazing.

China is actually much safer than Europe.

There’s virtually no crime, drunkenness or aggressive behaviour in China. The culture is more reserved and friendly—people aren’t trying to one-up each other or compete to be the coolest. Instead, there’s a genuine effort to make others feel comfortable. While China has different customs and ways of communicating, people understand that Westerners are different and are very accommodating. Don’t worry too much about messing up etiquette.

People think Chinese are protective about kung fu and don’t want foreigners learning. Complete rubbish. Chinese people are thrilled that foreigners want to learn their culture. They’re often more excited about Westerners practising than locals.
花費
02  Cost of living

Cost of Living

Dengfeng and Songshan are among the cheaper areas in China. Your money goes a long way.
Food
A meal out costs around 10–30 RMB (80 if you want to splurge). Supermarket prices are roughly half what you’d pay in Western Europe.
Transport
A taxi across town is about 15–20 RMB. An electric scooter costs around 1,500 RMB — then nothing, because you charge it yourself. Trains are fast, frequent, and reliable. From here to Shanghai is about 500 RMB.
Healthcare
Roughly 5–10 times cheaper than Western Europe, with very little waiting time or bureaucracy. I’ve had dental treatment, laser eye surgery, and hormone testing here — all at a tiny fraction of Western prices.
Massage
Two options. The budget route: 60–80 RMB, where a stocky Chinese man beats the tension out of you whether you like it or not. The luxury route: 200–400 RMB for a proper spa — private room, complimentary food, essential oils, and a gentler touch. Choose according to your pain threshold.
Sauna
Our favourite spot looks like a five-star hotel. Entry is 39 RMB.
Acupuncture
A practitioner near the academy does acupuncture, cupping, massage, and scraping — about 80 RMB per session.
Shopping
Clothes in local shops are only slightly cheaper than in the West — a top and trousers cost around 400 RMB. Taobao (China’s answer to Amazon, with five times the variety at a fraction of the price) usually has the same thing for half that.

Monthly Budget

Strict
Around 2,000–4,000 RMB/month beyond training fees. Eating simply, cooking where possible, local transport, minimal extras.
Comfortable
Around 5,000–7,000 RMB/month. Eating out regularly, the occasional spa massage, weekend trips, Taobao deliveries showing up at the door.
Long-term
Want to stay indefinitely? When your visa expires, simply leave, get a new one, and return. No restrictions. Since living costs are so low, it makes more sense to earn money here than save at home. We’re flexible with training schedules if you need to work.
聖山
03  The mountain

Location & Things to Do

The school is located halfway between Dengfeng city and Shaolin Temple—perfect because it’s quiet yet convenient. 15 minutes to the city, 15 minutes to the temple.

There are many great spots in town for tea, massage, and general exploration. With Amap or Didi ride-hailing app, you can easily hop into town for 15–20 RMB. Otherwise, there are regular buses. I bought an electric scooter for €180. This was perhaps the best investment of my life – zipping around the mountains. We can help you easily rent one.

The sacred mountain.

This is Songshan, the central sacred mountain of China—seen as where heaven meets earth. From ancient Chinese perspective, this was the centre of the world. The landscape is vast and sweeping, with dinosaur fossils found throughout. It has powerful yang energy, said to be healing for those who are sick. You can feel why Zen was born here—the energy is ancient and profound.

Nature.

Endless stretches of mountain and forest paths where you can lose yourself in quiet contemplation. I know secret spots for swimming in nature. There’s a great hike up the main peak with spectacular views.

It’s a true feast to wake up on a Sunday morning and think about which incredible historical site to explore. This area is extraordinarily rich in culture and ancient wisdom.

古蹟
04  Nine places
Where to go on a Sunday
Nine sites within reach of the school · drag, or use the arrows
01 / 09
01
Shaolin Temple
少林寺
The birthplace of Chan Buddhism and kung fu, just 15 minutes from the school. Best visited early morning to avoid crowds. Walk through the compound to the main temple, then continue up to Bodhidharma’s cave for spectacular valley views. Two cable car routes offer different perspectives—one to his disciple’s dwelling, another leading to a breathtaking 4km mountain ridge walk ending at San Huang Zhai temple. The walk is challenging but unforgettable.
02
San Huang Zhai
三皇寨
A newly rebuilt temple on an ancient site, conceived by Master Shi Dejian. This architectural marvel perches dramatically on the mountainside—a spectacular feat of engineering and spiritual vision. Best reached via the cable car and mountain walkway from Shaolin Temple. The journey itself, winding along cliff paths, is as remarkable as the destination.
03
Fawang Temple
法王寺
One of China’s oldest Buddhist temples, founded nearly two thousand years ago and rebuilt through the dynasties. Perched high on Yuzhu Mountain’s slopes, it offers sweeping views of Dengfeng. The peaceful grounds and well-preserved buildings reward the climb to the summit. Far fewer tourists make it here, preserving its contemplative atmosphere.
04
Songyue Pagoda
嵩岳寺塔
Constructed in 523 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty, this is China’s oldest brick pagoda and one of the few intact 6th-century structures. Most buildings from that era were wooden and didn’t survive. Standing in solitary grandeur about 3km from Fawang Temple, it’s a testament to ancient engineering and spiritual devotion.
05
Songyang Academy
嵩陽書院
One of China’s four great ancient academies, originally built in 484 AD. First a Buddhist site, then Taoist, finally becoming a renowned Confucian centre of learning in 1035. While mostly rebuilt, it houses China’s oldest tree—a 4,500-year-old cypress honoured with military titles by Emperor Wu. Standing before this ancient life puts everything in perspective.
06
Zhongyue Miao
中岳廟
The largest Taoist temple in Henan Province, with roots stretching back to 700 BC. The current Qing dynasty complex features remarkable Song dynasty iron guards from 1064 and a unique stele depicting China’s five sacred mountains. Unlike bustling Shaolin, this temple maintains deep silence—perfect for meditation. A pagoda behind offers panoramic views.
07
Laomu Dong
老母洞
An extraordinary Taoist temple that, for me, surpasses even the famous temples of Wudang. The energy here is uniquely powerful—ancient, peaceful, and deeply mystical. Tucked into the mountains, it remains relatively unknown to tourists, preserving its sacred atmosphere. The journey there through winding mountain paths adds to its otherworldly quality.
08
Gaocheng Observatory
觀星臺
A UNESCO World Heritage site where 13th-century Chinese astronomers calculated Earth’s orbit around the sun with stunning accuracy—within 26 seconds of modern measurements. Built in 1279 under Kublai Khan, this observatory represents centuries of Chinese astronomical tradition. Standing here, you feel the ancients’ dedication to understanding heaven’s movements.
09
Longmen Grottoes
龍門石窟
A bit farther afield (2 hours) but absolutely worth it—this UNESCO World Heritage site near Luoyang contains thousands of Buddha statues carved into riverside cliffs. The artistry and devotion carved into stone over centuries is breathtaking.
三皇
05  San Huang Zhai
San Huang Zhai, in three
The ridge walk from Shaolin Temple ends here
01 / 03
01
San Huang Zhai — the ridge
The 4km mountain ridge walk from Shaolin Temple.
02
San Huang Zhai — the temple
The rebuilt temple in morning mist.
03
San Huang Zhai — the cliff
Perched on the mountainside above the valley.
天氣
06  Weather

Weather

Dengfeng is sunny all year round with very little rain. It is known as the Yang mountain due to its sunny Yang energy.
March–May
The most pleasant time to come.
September–November
The other most pleasant time to come.
December
Chilly but bearable.
January–February
Cold.
Summer
Hot and humid.
出發
07  Next
Ready to come? The practical guide takes about ten minutes and saves about ten hours.
Before you arrive Train in China Questions: wugulunacademy@hotmail.com