Shaolin Temple in central China has inspired awe and mysticism through the
centuries but has lately attracted controversy in China over charges of rampant
commercialism. [Picture: Tourists gathering at the entrance of the Shaolin
Temple.]
Shaolin last year drew 1.6 million people who paid 100 yuan (S$20) to pass
through its Disneyland-style turnstiles in Henan province, watch a half-hour
kungfu show and take photos with performers for another 20 yuan. [Photo: A
tourist trying to copy the moves of a Shaolin kung fu master during a
performance.]
The temple makes millions every year from entrance fees, online sales of
Shaolin items such as nunchakus, spearheads, fans and clothing, and its
travelling performing troupes.
The temple's money-making success is largely attributed to abbot Shi Yongxin, a
small, plump monk who took charge in 1999. Dubbed the "CEO of Shaolin," he has
been repeatedly criticised for his perceived pursuit of money.
"I'm not a businessman, I don't hold shares," Shi told AFP, as he sat for an
interview wearing a yellow robe in one of the temple's halls. He defended
Shaolin's commercial ventures, which he refused to describe as businesses, but
rather as ways of raising the temple's profile.
A tour guide with a flag leading tourists through China's famous Shaolin Temple
in Henan province.
Tourists looking through windows of the temple, curious to know how the
interior of the temple looks like.
Tourists taking photos in the temple - a place that has inspired awe and
mysticism through the centuries.
It is not an unusual scene to have throngs of tourists visiting the temple.
A tourist (left) posing with Shaolin kung fu masters during a performance.
