While the origins of Shaolin Kung Fu are widely debated, there is little doubt that the Shaolin Temple has become an icon for Chinese martial arts and Ch’an (Zen) Buddhism, which emphasizes meditation and enlightenment. Originally founded in 496 CE in Central Henan Province, the Shaolin Temple has been destroyed, restored, and rebuilt several times during China’s tumultuous history. Lohan boxing is only one of many well-known martial art styles born from this long tradition. Jet Li’s starring role in the 1982 movie, Shaolin Temple, catapulted Kung Fu’s popularity in bot Song Mountain lies in Dengfeng city, Song Mountain lies in Dengfeng city, in the heart of Henan Province and about 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of its capital, Zhengzhou. Song Mountain, which is also known as Zhong Yue (middle mountain), is known as one of the Five Mountains of China. The others in this group are Tai mountain in Shandong Province, Hua Mountain in Shaanxi Province, Mount Heng in Shanxi Province and Mount Heng in Hunan Province.
Song Mountain has fine natural scenery. Its 72 mountains, grouped around the peaks of Mount Shaoshi and Mount Taishi, extend for about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from east to west. Besides these mountains, there are many valleys, caves, pools and waterfalls, each of which provides the visitor with a unique and wonderful experience. The landscape is so unique that it has been given the title of 'International Geological Park' by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
