Shaolin Temple sees shrinking revenues

Zhengzhou (CNS) -- The scenic spot of Shaolin Temple, recognized as the origin of Chan Buddhism and the cradle of Chinese kung fu, experienced a significant decline in its tourism revenues during the recent 'golden week' Spring Festival.

According to data from Dengfeng Tourism Bureau, the usually popular destination in Dengfeng City, Henan Province, received 61,000 visitors during the holiday, a 41.8 percent decrease from golden week in 2011. Its revenue also dropped - by 13.7 percent.

The bureau says it got two complaints from tourists about Shaolin Temple, centered on the poor attitude of staff and lack-lustre service, as well as the cheating and dishonesty exhibited by some vendors.

Shaolin Temple scenic spot failed to meet the criteria for a national 5A tourist attraction during a secret review by the National Tourism Bureau in October 2011 based on incidents and conditions documented by Dengfeng Municipal Propaganda Office, which were provided to CNS on February 1.

The local government started to enforce strict measures to solve Shaolin Temple's problems beginning mid-December,2011. It stopped the work of 10 tourist guides, detained 63 law-breakers, and shut down 26 unlicensed operators around the area.

On January 22, the first working day after Spring Festival, Dengfeng Municipal Cultural Relics Bureau organized 80 people to pick up garbage and remove weeds and debris around the temple zone.