10th International Shaolin Wushu Festival kicks off in Shaolin Temple

Students from martial arts schools perform kung fu at the welcome ceremony of the 10th International Shaolin Wushu Festival in Shaolin Temple, Dengfeng, Central China's Henan province, Oct 19, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

The 10th International Shaolin Wushu Festival opened on Sunday in Shaolin Temple located in Zhengzhou, Central China's Henan province.

More than 1,800 athletes from 63 countries and regions took part in the festival which lasts until next Wednesday. Most of them will compete in martial arts events and some will be aiming at a Wushu grade.

"The festival has become an influential activity around the world, and the Shaolin Temple endeavors to promote Wushu because it's the home of Shaolin Wushu," said Wu Tinggui, executive vice-president of the International Wushu Federation.

As the cradle of Shaolin Wushu, about 100,000 students or Wushu lovers from around the world have learned the Chinese martial art in Wushu schools around the Shaolin Temple.

The International Shaolin Wushu Festival in Zhengzhou was first held in 1991 to improve the international influence of the Chinese martial art.