Shaolin Temple on Songshan Mountain in Henan Province. Photo: VCG

The Party chief of Central China’s Henan Province conducted an unannounced visit on Sunday to Shaolin Temple in Songshan Mountain and held in-depth discussions with Abbot Shi Yinle.

Liu Ning, secretary of the Communist Party of China Henan Provincial Committee, visited the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng to inspect the development of the cultural and tourism market. He had an in-depth exchange with Abbot Shi Yinle, urging religious figures to adhere to the direction of the sinicization of religion in China, according to Henan Daily.

Liu also called on religious figures to take the lead in abiding by laws and regulations and strictly observing religious discipline, continuously enhance their spiritual cultivation, properly handle the relationship between Shaolin Temple and Shaolin culture, clarify the boundaries between Shaolin Temple, the Songshan Mountain scenic area, and cultural and tourism development, return to the true essence of religion, and safeguard the reputation and image of Shaolin Temple, Henan Daily reported.

Shi Yinle, former abbot of the White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan Province, assumed the position of abbot of the Shaolin Temple, according to a statement from the Shaolin Temple in July.

The Buddhist Association of China announced it revoked the ordination certificate of Shi Yongxin, former abbot of the Shaolin Temple, over suspected criminal offenses, according to the Xinhua News Agency.