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Shaolin Temple

The latest news and top stories on Shaolin Temple. A prominent Henan province-based monastic institution, Shaolin Temple is dedicated to Buddhist practices particularly Chan Buddhism. Located at the foot of the Songshan mountain range in Dengfeng county China, its main areas of activity include Chan Buddhism, martial arts notably Shaolin Kung Fu, Buddhist art and traditional Chinese medicine. Recognised as the birthplace of both Chan Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant cultural spiritual centre.

Jet Li in a still from The New Legend of Shaolin, which married lighthearted comedy and above-average action in an underrated gem of a film.

Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

Why Jet Li and Wong Jing’s The New Legend of Shaolin is underrated

The 1994 cult classic The New Legend of Shaolin blends comedy, action and child martial artists in a fresh take on the Shaolin myth.

4 Jan 2026 - 4:15PMvideocam

Religion in China

‘CEO monk’ scandal: China creates new oversight body for Buddhist clergy

30 Dec 2025 - 8:00PMvideocam

Religion in China

China’s scandal-hit Shaolin Temple urged to draw line between business, religion

15 Dec 2025 - 7:36PMvideocam

Religion in China

Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin closer to prosecution over money scandals

Famed ‘CEO monk’ of kung fu cradle was removed in July over allegations including embezzlement and ‘seriously violating’ Buddhist principles.

16 Nov 2025 - 5:02PMvideocam

Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

How Stephen Chow’s The God of Cookery proved he could do so much more

At a time when Stephen Chow was best known for his nonsensical comedies, The God of Cookery saw him transform as a filmmaker.

12 Oct 2025 - 4:15PMvideocam

Lessons from China's history

Reflections | Shaolin Temple scandal would have led to far harsher reactions in China’s past

The resolution of the temple’s recent shameful episode is much more civilised than the violent purges of Buddhism in China’s history.

30 Aug 2025 - 8:45AM

Religion in China

After Shaolin Temple scandal, China’s Buddhists urged to obey law and pay taxes

Buddhist regulator calls on believers to be patriotic as it doubles down on condemnation of famous temple’s disgraced former abbot.

20 Aug 2025 - 4:50PM

Former Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin, known as the “CEO monk”, is facing a criminal investigation over accusations that he embezzled project funds and temple assets. Photo: Getty

Religion in China

Shaolin’s ‘CEO monk’ scandal may prompt overhaul of how temples are run in China

While long-time abbot Shi Yongxin faces criminal investigation it’s business as usual at the temple, but it could be a turning point.

12 Aug 2025 - 8:06AMvideocam

Trending in China

New abbot at China Shaolin Temple enforces ‘Buddhist 996’ rule; 30 monks quit

Stringent regime at famous temple slashes monk’s screen time on mobile phones, imposes strict diet, long working hours.

10 Aug 2025 - 9:09AM

Mainland China

China’s Buddhist regulator pledges stricter controls after Shaolin abbot scandal

Vow comes after Shi Yongxin, the former head of the kung fu cradle, was accused of embezzling temple funds and sexual misconduct.

7 Aug 2025 - 9:34PMvideocam

“CEO monk” Shi Yongxin is accused of financial and sexual misconduct. Photo: AFP

Legacy of war in Asia

Letters | Nanking massacre film speaks to the resilience of ordinary Chinese

Readers discuss a reckoning with the second world war, and a Buddhist monk’s downfall.

3 Aug 2025 - 11:30AM

On Chinese social media, many have said that although Dead to Rights is difficult to watch, it is a must-see. Photo: China Film Group Corporation

Trending in China

New head of scandal-hit Shaolin Temple avoids commerce, does manual work himself

Successor to disgraced former Shaolin Temple chief vows to follow true path of Buddhism, values ‘agriculture’ and ‘zen’.

2 Aug 2025 - 4:00PM

SCMP Highlights

US-China trade talks, Japan’s concern over unruly Indonesians: 7 highlights

From China’s concern over H20 chip safety to actor Will Or being diagnosed with cancer, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

1 Aug 2025 - 3:29PM

Religion in China

China’s Shaolin Temple gets new abbot after scandal fells Shi Yongxin

White Horse Temple abbot Shi Yinle will replace Shaolin head who is under investigation for alleged financial and sexual misconduct.

30 Jul 2025 - 7:39AMvideocam

Abbot of Henan’s White Horse temple Shi Yin Le has been appointed the new abbot of Shaolin temple, according to a statement released by the Buddhist sanctuary on Tuesday.Photo: Baidu

Corruption in China

Abbot of China’s world-famous Shaolin Temple under criminal investigation

Temple accuses Shi Yongxin of embezzling project funds and temple assets, seriously violating Buddhist precepts and of sexual misconduct.

28 Jul 2025 - 1:06PMvideocam

Shi Yongxin (centre), abbot of the Shaolin Temple in central China, is under joint investigation by multiple departments. Photo: Getty Images

Shaolin Temple

Why Jet Li and Wong Jing’s The New Legend of Shaolin is underrated

The 1994 cult classic The New Legend of Shaolin blends comedy, action and child martial artists in a fresh take on the Shaolin myth.

‘CEO monk’ scandal: China creates new oversight body for Buddhist clergy

China’s scandal-hit Shaolin Temple urged to draw line between business, religion

Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin closer to prosecution over money scandals

Famed ‘CEO monk’ of kung fu cradle was removed in July over allegations including embezzlement and ‘seriously violating’ Buddhist principles.

How Stephen Chow’s The God of Cookery proved he could do so much more

At a time when Stephen Chow was best known for his nonsensical comedies, The God of Cookery saw him transform as a filmmaker.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Reflections | Shaolin Temple scandal would have led to far harsher reactions in China’s past

The resolution of the temple’s recent shameful episode is much more civilised than the violent purges of Buddhism in China’s history.

After Shaolin Temple scandal, China’s Buddhists urged to obey law and pay taxes

Buddhist regulator calls on believers to be patriotic as it doubles down on condemnation of famous temple’s disgraced former abbot.

Shaolin’s ‘CEO monk’ scandal may prompt overhaul of how temples are run in China

While long-time abbot Shi Yongxin faces criminal investigation it’s business as usual at the temple, but it could be a turning point.

New abbot at China Shaolin Temple enforces ‘Buddhist 996’ rule; 30 monks quit

Stringent regime at famous temple slashes monk’s screen time on mobile phones, imposes strict diet, long working hours.

China’s Buddhist regulator pledges stricter controls after Shaolin abbot scandal

Vow comes after Shi Yongxin, the former head of the kung fu cradle, was accused of embezzling temple funds and sexual misconduct.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Nanking massacre film speaks to the resilience of ordinary Chinese

Readers discuss a reckoning with the second world war, and a Buddhist monk’s downfall.

New head of scandal-hit Shaolin Temple avoids commerce, does manual work himself

Successor to disgraced former Shaolin Temple chief vows to follow true path of Buddhism, values ‘agriculture’ and ‘zen’.

US-China trade talks, Japan’s concern over unruly Indonesians: 7 highlights

From China’s concern over H20 chip safety to actor Will Or being diagnosed with cancer, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

China’s Shaolin Temple gets new abbot after scandal fells Shi Yongxin

White Horse Temple abbot Shi Yinle will replace Shaolin head who is under investigation for alleged financial and sexual misconduct.

Abbot of China’s world-famous Shaolin Temple under criminal investigation

Temple accuses Shi Yongxin of embezzling project funds and temple assets, seriously violating Buddhist precepts and of sexual misconduct.

Reflections | Shaolin Temple scandal would have led to far harsher reactions in China’s past

Letters | Nanking massacre film speaks to the resilience of ordinary Chinese