The ancient Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China, is to have its own television show called “Chinese Kung Fu Star Search” that will invite viewers to vote for their favorite martial arts masters, the BBC reported. Judges and viewers will rank contestants by virtue, kung fu technique and artistry until they settle on the final 108 contestants, the same number as the rebellious heroes from the classic Chinese novel “Outlaws of the Marsh.” The finalists will then get the chance to perform in a big-budget movie and television series based on stories from the 1,500-year-old temple, which has inspired countless movies in the Chinese-speaking world. Contestants must be male, and Shaolin monks are not allowed to take part. The series is part of the abbot Shi Yongxin’s efforts to promote the temple. (from the New York Times, Nov 21, 2005 www.nytimes.com/2005/11/21/arts/21arts.html

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