Deyuan Zen Caves

Shaolin Deyuan Zen Caves are within shaolin scenic area,300 meters east to Shaolin Temple.It is situated in the mountains to the northeast of the Shaolin Temple Traditional Kungfu Training Center. As meditation caves that carry the inheritance of Shaolin Zen, martial arts, and medicine from the Ming Dynasty to the present day, it is named after Shi Deyuan (secular name Wang Zhanyang), a 31st-generation disciple of Shaolin Temple who resides and practices here in modern times.
According to tradition, the cave dates back to the Ming Dynasty, where Wuyan Zhengdao, the founder of the Yonghua Hall of Shaolin and the officially appointed Abbot, once retreated in seclusion. In modern times, Master Suxi (Honorary Abbot of Shaolin Temple) stayed here during special periods, upholding the integrated tradition of Zen, martial arts, and medicine. Today, it is inhabited by Shi Deyuan, who promotes the philosophy of “cultivating the mind through Zen, strengthening the body through martial arts, and healing the world through medicine”.
Cave Features:
It is a natural limestone cave with an arched entrance built of grey bricks and blue stones. The interior space is modest, furnished with meditation seats and Buddhist shrines. Outside the cave lies a platform and ancient pine trees, offering a distant view of the scenery of Mount Shaoshi. The cave remains cool in summer and warm in winter.
Adjacent to key attractions such as the Shaolin Temple Traditional Kungfu Training Center and the Chuzu Temple, it is part of the extended area of the Shaolin Scenic Spot, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site on Mount Song. Along the mountain path are small stone inscriptions and ancient springs.
As a pure and tranquil retreat place for Shaolin meditation, the cave is used by monks for retreat, seated meditation, and sutra chanting. It also hosts meditation experiences and Shaolin cultural exchange activities for those with a spiritual connection.
Master Deyuan teaches Shaolin Kung Fu and the concepts of Shaolin Zen medicine here, practicing the integrated Shaolin tradition of “Zen as the essence, martial arts as the application, and medicine as the protection”.