Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth” in China

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Portal to the Heritage of Astronomy

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2010
Size of heritage: 825 ha
- Buffer zone: 3,438 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 113,068°
Latitude: 34,459°

Summary

Mount Songshang is considered to be the central sacred mountain of China. At the foot of this 1500 metre high mountain, close to the city of Dengfeng in Henan province and spread over a 40 square-kilometre circle, stand eight clusters of buildings and sites, including three Han Que gates - remains of the oldest religious edifices in China -, temples, the Zhougong Sundial Platform and the Dengfeng Observatory. Constructed over the course of nine dynasties, these buildings are reflections of different ways of perceiving the centre of heaven and earth and the power of the mountain as a centre for religious devotion. The historical monuments of Dengfeng include some of the best examples of ancient Chinese buildings devoted to ritual, science, technology and education.

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Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth”

The Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth” is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Dengfeng, Henan Province, China. This site encompasses a collection of ancient religious buildings and structures that have played a significant role in the development of Chinese culture and spirituality.

History

The history of the Historic Monuments of Dengfeng dates back over 2,000 years. The area has long been considered a sacred place and a center for religious and philosophical teachings. It is believed that the site was chosen due to its geographical location, which is said to be the center of the celestial sphere according to ancient Chinese cosmology.

The most prominent structure within the site is the Shaolin Temple, which was founded in the 5th century. The temple is renowned as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and the martial art form known as Shaolin Kung Fu. Over the centuries, the Shaolin Temple has attracted countless pilgrims and martial arts enthusiasts from around the world.

In addition to the Shaolin Temple, the site also includes several other important religious and cultural landmarks. These include the Zhongyue Temple, the Songyang Academy, the Pagoda Forest, and the Observatory Platform. Each of these structures represents a different aspect of Chinese history and spirituality.

Current State

The Historic Monuments of Dengfeng are well-preserved and continue to be important religious and cultural sites. The Shaolin Temple, in particular, remains an active place of worship and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the temple complex, witness martial arts demonstrations, and even participate in Kung Fu training programs.

The Zhongyue Temple, also known as the Temple of the Central Peak, is another significant site within the UNESCO World Heritage site. It is dedicated to the worship of the god of Mount Song, one of the Five Sacred Mountains of China. The temple complex consists of several halls, pavilions, and courtyards, showcasing traditional Chinese architectural styles.

The Songyang Academy, founded during the Northern Wei Dynasty, is an ancient educational institution that played a crucial role in the development of Confucianism. It served as a center for scholarly activities and the training of government officials. Today, the academy is a museum that displays artifacts and documents related to Chinese classical studies.

The Pagoda Forest is a unique feature of the site, consisting of over 200 stone pagodas dating back to various dynasties. These pagodas were built to honor eminent monks and scholars. The forest creates a serene and mystical atmosphere, attracting visitors seeking tranquility and spiritual reflection.

Address
Distance: 1,6 mi
No. 66 Zhongyue Street, Dengfeng, Zhengzhou, China
Dengfeng
China

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin:
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Bringing Positivity Into Your Life and in Other People's Life

Published: April 06, 2015
Length: 00:01 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: sHuaiiRen

Filmed on Songshan Mountain (嵩山) in Dengfeng (The city of the Shaolin Temple)

THE SHAOLIN KID - Official Trailer by Empty Mind Films

Published: September 14, 2011
Length: 22:42 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Empty Mind Films

The trailer for our new movie release: The Shaolin Kid (aka The Boy in China). The amazing story of a six year old boy from Phoenix, Arizona whose dreams of becoming a Kungfu master lead him...

Videos provided by Youtube are under the copyright of their owners.

Near airports

Luoyang Airport
Small airport - 43 mi (70 km)

Xinzheng Airport
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Nanyang Airport
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Changzhi Airport
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Yuncheng Guangong Airport
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Anyang Airport
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Handan Airport
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Xiangfan Airport
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Taiyuan Wusu Airport
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Wuhan Tianhe International Airport
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