Source: CCTV.com
02-18-2009 08:51
Henan Province's Shaolin Temple is widely believed to be the home of Kungfu. Under the leadership of its current Abbot, the ancient temple is reinventing itself as a popular attraction for those who enjoy, or want to learn, martial arts.
Every year, thousands of Chinese youngsters arrive at Shaolin, hoping to become martial arts experts.
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| The monastery provides a chance to buy all kinds of souvenirs, including an individual-sized tent for those who might want to take their praying outdoors. |
But the skills of the Shaolin warriors have not always been so well known or appreciated.
Shi Yongxin, abbot of Shaolin temple said, "When I first came here, the Shaolin Temple was very poor. Back then, the Shaolin temple had nothing. It was before the Reform and Opening-Up policies. When I first arrived, the temple was almost in ruins, there were only a few halls in good condition and none of the courtyards were in good shape."
But the new Abbot has plenty of business skills. Under his control, the temple is experiencing a new era.
Shi Yongxin registered the Shaolin trademark 15 years ago and since then he's helped set up 26 sister temples and study centres.
Tanglin Martial Arts School is one of them. Young apprentices awake at five a.m. for daily exercise. They pay two thousand yuan in tuition for a full year.
