Shaolin Pagoda Forest

The Shaolin Pagoda Forest, known in Chinese as Talin, is the cemetery of Shaolin Temple and one of the largest pagoda clusters in China. It lies within the Shaolin Temple Scenic Area near Dengfeng City, about 300 m west of the temple itself and roughly 80 km south-west of Zhengzhou in Henan province. The forest contains more than 200 brick and stone pagodas, built from the Tang dynasty through the Qing dynasty to hold the remains of abbots and distinguished monks. They vary widely in height, from about one metre to more than 15 metres, and in form, with 1 to 7 storeys, and in style, with square, hexagonal and round bases. Older pagodas are plain and weathered, while later ones carry inscriptions, reliefs and carved eaves. The size and status of each pagoda reflect the rank and reputation of the monk buried there, so wandering among them shows the history of the community. Stone tablets record names and dates, although most are in Chinese. Visitors walk along stone paths through the grove, with ancient trees, and often find that the site is quieter than the temple. The Pagoda Forest is included in the Shaolin scenic area ticket, with reduced or free entry for children under 1.2 m, and opens daily from about 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. One hour is enough to explore, though photographers may stay longer. Morning light gives the best photography, when low sun picks out the brickwork and long shadows fall between the pagodas; late afternoon can also work but the site closes soon after. Crowds are heaviest around midday when tour groups pass through; early mornings and off-season days are calm. It is a short walk from the temple gate or a ride on the scenic area shuttle. Visitors should be respectful, since these are burial monuments, and avoid climbing on the structures. Sturdy shoes are recommended for uneven paving, and a hat helps in summer, as shade is patchy in the open parts of the grove.