How to plan from Beijing to Shaolin Temple? Which city/town to stay for night? good hotels?

You can take a fight to Zhengzhou from Beijing (about 2 hours). Upon arrival, take a shuttle bus to Zhengzhou Railway Station for CNY 20 (about 1 hour). Then, take a bus to the temple from Passenger Transport Center near the railway station (about 1.5 hours). The buses are scheduled at 7:00, 8:00, 8:50, 9:40, 10:10, and 11:00, and the fare is CNY 28.

You can stay at the downtown area of Zhengzhou. You may consider Jinjiang Inn at No. 77, Erma Road. It is about 250 yards to the north of Zhengzhou Railway Station. It costs CNY 140-180 per night. You can book a room by dialing at 86-0371-66932000.