Who Is Shi Yongxin? Ex-Head Monk Of China's 'Kung Fu Temple' Jailed For 24 Years Over Corruption

Last Updated:May 29, 2026, 23:14 IST

Former Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin sentenced to 24 years in prison in Henan for embezzlement and bribery involving over 282 million yuan.

The former head of China’s iconic Shaolin Temple, widely regarded as the birthplace of kung fu and one of the country’s most famous Buddhist institutions, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison on charges including embezzlement and bribery.

A court in central China’s Henan province found that Shi Yongxin, whose birth name is Liu Yingcheng, misused temple funds worth more than 282 million yuan ($42 million) between 2003 and 2025. Authorities said he also illegally profited from temple construction projects and offered large bribes to government officials, BBC reported.

According to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, Shi admitted guilt during the investigation and said on Friday that he would not appeal the sentence.

Shi became the temple’s abbot in 1999 and later earned the nickname “CEO monk" for turning the monastery into an international brand. During his tenure, Shaolin kung fu schools were opened overseas and travelling performance groups showcased the martial art across the world.

All About Shaolin Temple

Founded more than 1,500 years ago in Henan province, the Shaolin Temple is internationally known for its deep links to Chan Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu, a martial arts tradition that became a global cultural symbol through films, television and popular culture. The temple attracts thousands of disciples and tourists every year and has long been viewed as a spiritual and martial arts landmark.

The temple’s fame also spread through pop culture, including the 1982 film “Shaolin Temple" starring Jet Li, references in music by American hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, and inspiration for elements in the “Mortal Kombat" video game franchise.

Shi was removed from his religious position last year by China’s Buddhist Association. He had previously faced allegations in 2015 involving financial misconduct and fathering children, but was cleared at the time.

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