go to the main railway station in the north, there u have city-and regional busses to Longmen grottoes, it only 35 minutes, and at the end of the busline. So very easy to go back again. Busride will cost you less than 3 Rmb. Why pay a taxi for 300 RMB?? To visit Shaolin location of Kung Fu training U may find hotel registrations next to the station. They will accept anybody who is interested in the daytrip. The tour comprises 5 or 6 locations , as u know the shaolin temple and trainingcampus are located in 3 different places. It is good to go with a local travel group , so u can start getting to know the local habits, even when not understanding or speaking the language. That Shaolin bustour will cost you less than 180 Rmb all inclusive takes 11 hours and a free lunch. Register at the hotel next to the station. Good luck

did u find any local touring group yet? Most hotels have this. It's much more fun to join such a group. Last time I got such a group by registering at the hotel desk, just next to the railwaystotion exit ( righthand side when leaving the maingate, no more than 100 yards away. Price for a full day trip was around 180 Rmb including 1 lunch and most entrance fees.
Much cheaper than going alone by taxi. And who knows these taxi guys might cheat you as u are alone !!

I am used to travel on budget fares also cheap trips and hotels.
Hiring a taxi all by yourself is rather a waste of money. It's too late now to find some students in the streets or at KFC/Mac D ??
Otherwise go register for local bustours, they must have them in the hotels.
I am not familiar with Peony hotel there.