Shaolin monks visit Thailand for Buddhist cultural exchanges

Monks from China's Shaolin Temple gave a performance of Chinese kungfu here on Sunday night as part of their six-day visit to Thailand to promote Buddhist cultural exchanges.

The visit, which lasts from August 1 to 6, is one of the many Buddhist exchanges activities between the two countries, Shi Yongfu, a senior monk of the temple who heads the delegation, told Xinhua.

Shaolin Abbot Shi Yongxin had been due to lead the delegation to Thailand but failed to show up at Sunday's performance.

In a letter of apology sent to the Thai organizer, the abbot explained that he got too tied up with work to come in person.

Shi Yongfu said that Shi Yongxin would arrive in Thailand later during the visit but did not disclose the exact time.

The delegation will also visit northern Chiang Mai province for some Buddhist ceremony.

The Shaolin Temple, built in the late fifth century and located in central China's Henan Province, is the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and the cradle of Chinese kungfu.