QUANZHOU - SHAOLIN TEMPLE

Front Entrance View of Shaolin Temple

One of the tourist spots to visit in Quanzhou, Fujian is Southern Shaolin Temple [Nan Shaolin Temple].  'A write up from Wikipedia states that it was founded in 495 A.D. and  emperors of every succeeding Chinese dynasty have consecrated the Shaolin Temple as their Imperial Temple. This was where emperors prayed on behalf of their people. It was also the birthplace of Zen Buddhism. 

The Southern Shaolin Temple had a reputation for being a revolutionary center and the Abbott refused to become a part of the emperors army or take orders from him. In an effort to crush the growing rebellion, the Qing army attacked and burned the Southern Shaolin Monastery during middle of the 19th century. Only the most skilled Shaolin Monks escaped the attack.'

Rear View of the Entrance