Shaolin martial arts have become a big tourist attraction in north China's Henan Province since the first seven-day Kongfu training class was opened to overseas visitors in 2002.

About 80 percent of the trainees are foreigners, mainly from Japan, France, the United States, Italy and Belgium, said Yang Xuewen, deputy general manager of Songshan Shaolin Martial Arts Travel Agency in Henan.

The cost for one day in the class is several hundred yuan, but the high price does not prevent tourists from joining the class. Up to now, more 700 foreigners have received graduation certificates from the Kongfu class, said Yang.

The tourists spend four hours every day practicing martial arts. In the morning and evening, they might participate in mountain climbing or meditation.

Shaolin martial arts, part of Chinese traditional culture, has been passed on from generation to generation for more than 1,500 years. It is the most influential group of martial arts in China.

(Xinhua News Agency September 27, 2004)