The Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, Central China's Henan Province Photo: VCG

Several longstanding commercial activities at the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, Central China's Henan Province, have vanished just days after a new abbot took office following the launch of an investigation into its former abbot Shi Yongxin, according to an article posted by Shanghai-based media outlet Yicai on its official WeChat account on Wednesday.

On July 30, the second day of Abbot Yinle's tenure, previously ubiquitous paid offerings such as "health incense" and "family blessing incense" disappeared, Yicai reported.

Other noticeable changes include the removal of donation-oriented QR codes formerly worn by "martial monks." Materials about the temple that previously required payment are now freely displayed at public stands, said the report. The Shaolin Temple is internationally known for its deep-rooted kung fu tradition.

Outside the abbot's residence, which once hosted celebrities, foreign dignitaries and business leaders under former abbot Shi Yongxin, metal barriers now obscure the entrance. Several A4-printed signs posted on the barricades read: "Prioritize protection, strengthen management, uncover value, utilize effectively, and bring cultural relics to life," along with a reminder that all individuals and organizations have a legal duty to protect heritage.

The abbot's residence has been barricaded for some time, but when asked whether this change is related to Shi Yongxin's arrest, staff members declined to comment, said the report.

The management of staff members is currently overseen by the Shaolin Temple Administrative Office, a government-appointed body formed in May with personnel dispatched from Zhengzhou and Dengfeng's departments of religious affairs and united front work departments, not by the temple, a staff member told the Yicai reporter.

Another veiled structure includes a commemorative monument erected in 1999 to mark Shi Yongxin's promotion. The staff confirmed that the monument was covered the day he was detained, according to the report.

In front of the Mahavira Hall at the center of the temple, some visitors were seen lighting incense and offering prayers. Meanwhile, many tourists were lining up at a nearby incense stand to take "health incense" free of charge.

"This used to cost money. This time, I didn't see anyone (collecting payment)," said Wu from Zhengzhou, Central China's Henan Province. Wu, who often brings out-of-town friends to visit the Shaolin Temple explained that in the past, a single stick of incense could easily cost dozens or even hundreds of yuan, with the more expensive ones could surpass 1,000 yuan. But on this visit, he found no one running incense stalls — if anyone wants to offer incense now, they can just take it, said the Yicai report.

Abbot Yinle, who was appointed earlier this week, has not publicly commented on the reforms. Repeated attempts to reach the temple's administrative office were declined, according to the report.

Shi Yinle, former abbot of the White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan is the new abbot of the Shaolin Temple, according to a statement from the Shaolin Temple.

In accordance with relevant regulations, the decision was approved after democratic reviews by the monastic community of the temple and other relevant procedures, the statement said.

The Buddhist Association of China announced on Monday that it has agreed to revoke the ordination certificate of Shi Yongxin over suspected criminal offenses.

He is under investigation for allegedly embezzling and misappropriating project funds and temple assets. He also faces accusations of serious violations of Buddhist precepts, including maintaining long-term inappropriate relationships with multiple women and fathering at least one illegitimate child.

Global Times