Preparations for the construction of a new Shaolin complex in New South Wales in Australia are underway as the Shaolin Temple confirmed on Feb. 28, Saturday, the purchase of land where they plan to build the structure.
The Beijing News said that a spokesman for the Shaolin Temple made the announcement following reports by the Australian media that the Chinese monks are planning to build a complex worth billions of yuan in New South Wales.
The report said that the complex, still in the planning stage, would include a Kung Fu academy, a temple, a four-star hotel and a golf course.
The article further said that the final payment for the property has already been made by Shi Yongxin, abbot of the Shaolin Temple, to the City of Shaolhaven in New South Wales. The property is more than 1,000 hectares.
The spokesman said the city government and Shaolin are still discussing a formal plan to begin construction of the proposed complex, which is subject to final approval of both parties.
The new complex is expected to increase local tourism revenue as the city anticipates the influx of local and foreign travelers to the place.
Over the years, the Shaolin martial arts has become popular and the Chinese martial arts tradition has been promoted overseas by the Shaolin Temple, which is based in Henan Province.
In 2010, the Shaolin Europe Association was established, which paved the way for the creation of other branches in other European countries. The Shaolin martial arts is now popular in more than 10 countries in the continent.