Henan's Shaolin Temple is located approximately 85 km (53 mi) southwest of Zhengzhou's downtown area. Established in 520 AD by Indian monk, Tamo, the temple is dedicated to the study of Chan (sometimes called Zen or Ch'an) Buddhism and the mastery of martial arts-the variety of which has inspired the making of more than 170 movies, including a number of Hollywood flops.

The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, most recently in 1928 when the monastery was set fire to. The fire raged for several weeks and destroyed most of the buildings and manuscripts stored within. The temple was rebuilt only to be plundered in 1966 during the Red Guard's rampage focusing on religious materials and artifacts. 

Unfortunately Shaolin Temple, due to its fame throughout the Middle Kingdom, has become somewhat of a tourist trap these days with local hawkers setting up stalls by the entrance and nearby and tour groups pouring off of buses in seemingly endless numbers. But, if you're willing to brave the crowds (or get there early), you can take in an amazing demonstration of skill and strength as disciples put on a show (RMB 40).