Mount Song, Sacred mountain peak in Henan, China
Mount Song sprawls across a large area with 72 peaks and reaches about 1,500 m (4,921 ft) at its highest point near Dengfeng city. The mountain contains three main areas for visitors: the Shaolin Temple area, the Zhongyue zone, and the Songyang zone, each filled with ancient structures and temples.
The mountain gained spiritual importance during the Warring States period between 476 and 221 BC and later became the center of major Chinese religious traditions. The Songyue Pagoda, built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, stands as China's first brick pagoda and represents a turning point in architectural practice.
The Shaolin Temple within this mountain has served as the center of Chan Buddhism for centuries and draws visitors seeking to understand the meditative tradition. Pilgrims and travelers come to experience how physical practice and spiritual discipline interweave in this place.
The mountain is best explored on foot, with different areas attracting varying crowds at different times. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the paths between temples and sites vary in length and difficulty.
Ancient cypress trees grow on the slopes, some standing for more than a thousand years and shaping the landscape. These trees are witnesses to the mountain's long past and give it a distinctive, timeless character.
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