Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the Shaolin Temple on Song Mountain in Henan Province, China, is under investigation for alleged criminal activities, which has shocked the religious and political-business communities. The official website of the Shaolin Temple has already removed all information related to Shi Yongxin, and dozens of people in black clothing have been guarding the monastery around the clock, making it a restricted area.
On the evening of July 27th, the Shaolin Temple management released a public announcement regarding the investigation of Shi Yongxin, accusing him of embezzlement and misappropriation of temple assets and project funds. It was also revealed that he had been involved in improper relationships with multiple women and fathered illegitimate children, severely violating Buddhist precepts. Following this, the Chinese Buddhist Association promptly canceled his credentials, expressing cooperation with the authorities on the matter.
According to sources, Shi Yongxin was taken away by relevant authorities late at night on July 25th, and tension within the temple escalated starting from the 26th.
Earlier in 2025, Shi Yongxin’s overseas activities had been restricted and he had been subjected to conversations with relevant departments, although he still had a relatively free range of motion. By May, the local government began to station personnel under the name of the “Shaolin Temple Management Office,” mainly from the religious bureaus and united front departments of Zhengzhou and Dengfeng cities.
Despite the ongoing incense offerings and regular influx of tourists at the temple, a plaque from the abbot’s room along the central axis of the Shaolin Temple has been removed. The entire building has been barricaded with corrugated iron, preventing close observation.
When asked, staff members gave varying responses, with some claiming that it was under maintenance, while others vaguely mentioned “issues inside,” and some monks bluntly stated, “The authorities are handling it, you just need to know that.”
Just a wall away from the tourist area, the monastery is now heavily guarded, with red signs saying “No Entry for Tourists” posted on the door. The black-clad personnel on duty all day wear earpieces, responding collectively with “no idea” to questions or even passing themselves off as “tourists.” During lunchtime, dozens of them gathered outside the residence area, exhibiting unusually cautious behavior.
Over the past nearly 40 years, Shi Yongxin has managed the Shaolin Temple, turning it into a globally renowned religious brand and commercial empire. Through the “Henan Shaolin Intangible Asset Management Co., Ltd.,” he controlled vast commercial assets, exporting martial arts culture, developing Shaolin-related products, establishing chain martial arts schools, and venturing into real estate.
In 2022, news of the Shaolin Temple’s involvement in real estate caused a public outcry. With his current investigation, this massive diversified business system is now facing a reckoning.
Despite several previous reports failing to shake his position, many observers are still puzzled by why Shi Yongxin suddenly fell from grace at this time.
A local driver who frequents the temple revealed that he had never seen Shi Yongxin reciting scriptures and labeled him as “too arrogant.” The driver further highlighted a heated conflict between Shi Yongxin and the management committee over the distribution of ticket revenue: while the entrance fee to the scenic area was 80 yuan, the Shaolin Temple was originally supposed to receive 30 yuan, but Shi Yongxin was dissatisfied and insisted on collecting an additional 50 yuan, escalating the conflict.
There has been a history of financial disputes between the Shaolin Temple and the Songshan Scenic Area Management Committee, even leading to legal confrontations in the past. Monks once hung banners in front of the pagoda, asking, “Where did 70% of the ticket revenue go?”
Analyst Li Lin pointed out that Shi Yongxin’s downfall may not solely be about moral or religious issues, but because his control over significant wealth and resources has drawn high-level attention. Particularly amidst economic downturn pressures and tight local finances, religious economy and cultural tourism resources have become coveted interests for various parties.
He stated: “In the past, officials turned a blind eye to rumors of corruption and mistresses because he could deliver benefits. Now, it’s time for a settlement.”