Visitors to ancient Shaolin temple decline

Buffalo Breeze (IANS) Monday 6th February, 2012

The number of visitors to the famous Shaolin temple in Henan province, home to Shaolin Kung Fu martial arts, recorded a sharp decline during the weeklong spring festival celebrated in the last week of January.

The number of visitors to the Shaolin temple during the spring festival came down by about 42 percent compared to same period last year, the China Daily reported citing Dahe daily.

The popularity of the tourist attraction in Henan province over the holiday period declined apparently after it was warned against its poor service and maintenance.

The scenic spot received some 61,000 people during the festival.

A national committee of tourist spots expects the temple to complete an overhaul by the end of March 2012, failing which it will lose its top rating.

Founded in the 5th century, the Shaolin monastery is famous for its association with Chinese martial arts and particularly with Shaolin Kung Fu.