Its unique characteristics and effectiveness for body-building and self-defense have made it extremely popular in ancient time and throughout the world.

Zheng Shumin is an official in charge of the promotion of Shaolin martial arts.

"At present, the most important issue is to ensure the Shaolin culture is well preserved and will be passed on from generation to generation."

To protect the heritage, in addition to the application to be a masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity created by UNESCO, or the United Nations Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization, Shaolin Temple has restored its tradition way of learning Kungfu from the masters.

Now the temple has designated 50 disciples as the successors.

Meanwhile, a regiment of 120 Shaolin monks has been organized to promote the martial arts worldwide.

Shi Yongxin, master of Shaolin Temple, says the exchanges are necessary for the continued development of Shaolin culture.

"From past experience, the exchange is indispensable for Shaolin culture's development. It is actually the result of exchanges. Now we have conducted various exchange activities in different areas around the world. We believe the Shaolin culture will thrive as our country grows."

With the increasing popularity of Shaolin Kungfu, it has become a valuable brand of Chinese traditional culture.

However, over the past years, Shaolin Kungfu has been randomly registered as a trademark illegal both in China and abroad. That's hurt the international recognition of Shaolin Kungfu.

In response, the Shaolin Temple has taken measures to
protect its intangible property.

Master Shi Yongxin calls for the government and the society to pay more attention on the protection on intangible heritage.

"We hope there will be a law protecting intangible heritage similar to protecting cultural relics. We hope more experts will pay attention to this issue and the whole nation will participate in the protection."

UNESCO created the "Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" to honor the most remarkable examples of the oral and intangible culture.

Until now, only two Chinese masterpieces have been honored with the title, Kunqu Opera and Guqin Music, the oldest of China's performing arts.