Shaolin kungfu is a Buddhist martial art that has developed over 1,500 years, and includes 217 series of classical skills and tricks. Shaolin qigong and boxing, and Shaolin children's exercises are well known in China and overseas, hence the Chinese saying, "Earthly kungfu comes from Shaolin."

Within the Shaolin Temple are grand halls that house many ancient murals, sculptures, pagodas and stone tablets, all of which merit its inclusion in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

The Legend of Kungfu is a spectacular, high energy show staged at the Beijing Red Theatre every night at 7:30pm. The show chronicles a young boy’s journey in becoming a Kung Fu master. Along the path to enlightenment, he has to overcome human temptations, for example falling in love.

There are incredible displays of using mind power to overcome physical limitations, including balancing on swords and snapping poles in half on heads. There are many other reasons the audience enjoys the show though – the choreography is elegant and combines kungfu with ballet and more modern dance elements.

The costumes are vibrant and colorful, and the special effects, which include a starlit ceiling and dry ice (be prepared for some of it to come your way if you’re in the front row) enhance an already spectacular show.