About​

Abbot Shi Yong Xin (释永信)

Modern Buddhism master spreading Buddhism across the world


Abbot Shi Yong Xin (释永信) was born in 1965, Anhui province, China.
He arrived at the Shaolin Temple in 1981, becoming a disciple of Abbot Shi Xing Zheng (1914 – 1987), the 29th abbot of the temple. After the passing of Abbot Shi Xing Zheng in 1987, Shi Yong Xin took over as the director of the Shaolin Temple Management Committee, overseeing and presiding Shaolin Temple’s affairs. In 1999, Shi Yong Xin was honored to be appointed the 30th abbot of the Shaolin Temple.
Since taking charge of the Shaolin Temple, he has renovated the temple, reformed its order, and established many initiatives (Philanthropic Foundation, schools, holding conferences and forum in Shaolin Temple).
Abbot Shi Yong Xin holds significant leadership roles in Chinese Buddhism, including positions in the Buddhist Association of Henan Province and the Buddhist Association of China. Abbot Shi Yongxin has guided the Shaolin Sangha (community of Buddhist practitioners, including monks, nuns, and laypeople) in upholding right mindfulness and deepening their study of sutras (sacred texts in Buddhism) while extensively propagating the Dharma (teachings and laws of Buddhism).
Abbot Shi Yongxin upholds strict discipline and balances practice with theory, sending hundreds of monastics to study at Buddhist institutions both domestically and internationally.
Advocating for “Chinese Religions Go Out,” Abbot Shi Yong Xin has established over 40 overseas cultural centers around the world such as Vienna, Paris, London, Los Angeles… enhancing global awareness of Shaolin. He engages in interfaith dialogue and fosters international communication to benefit diverse communities.
Abbot Shi Yong Xin has actively worked to restore Buddhist monasteries, raising funds to establish and restore temples. He also founded the Shaolin Charity House, where he has adopted hundreds of orphans and provided financial support to thousands of underprivileged students, ensuring they have a nurturing environment and the opportunity to complete their education.

www.visitshaolin.com is directly overseen by Shaolin monks from the Shaolin Temple, showcasing our strong commitment to sharing the rich heritage and teachings of Shaolin culture. Our primary goal is to assist and provide quality guidance to visitors interested to explore and understand the temple and its surroundings.


This initiative arises from the Shaolin Temple’s desire to spread Shaolin culture worldwide and provide genuine knowledge about its culture and history. We aim to equip visitors with comprehensive insights so that they can fully appreciate the cultural and spiritual value of Shaolin when they arrive.

Managed directly by the monks of the Shaolin Temple, Visit Shaolin ensures that the information you find here is not only reliable but also authentic. Our team comprises experienced Shaolin Masters who have taught numerous international students and participated in various cultural exchanges representing the Shaolin Temple. Through our teaching and discussions with foreign officials, we have received many inquiries and gained valuable insights into the interests of international visitors regarding Shaolin culture and Buddhism.

We are committed to providing trustworthy guidance and insights. Our goal is to enhance your visit by sharing the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of the temple and its practices, ensuring that every visitor has a meaningful and enriching experience during their time here.

Shi Yan Man, Shi Yan Shun, Shi Yan Xian, Shi Yan Heng

Shaolin Masters

Key Information

Our primary goal is to provide essential information that every visitor needs to truly understand the Shaolin Temple and its surrounding area, covering topics from Shaolin history and culture to practical travel tips.

Unique experience

We offer Shaolin culture experiences ranging from 4 to 10 days inside the Shaolin Temple, providing an opportunity to discover and learn about the rich heritage of Shaolin culture.

Summer camps

We offer Shaolin culture summer camps ranging from 10 days (most popular) to 2 months, providing an opportunity to explore and learn about Shaolin Kung Fu and its rich culture.