Shaolin monks perform martial arts on a rocky mountain in Henan province, central China on April 7, 2005.
[File Photo: ChinaFotoPress]

A ceremony to honor the intangible cultural heritages at both provincial and national level was held on Wednesday afternoon in Henan province, central China. Shaolin Kungfu tops the list of award winners.

Shaolin Kungfu was among China's first batch of state-level intangible cultural heritage sites drafted last June, and also included in a first-ever provincial-level intangible heritage list, wrapping up a total of around 148 valuable items.

One reputed monk with the Shaolin Temple, Shi Yanda, spoke at the ceremony, describing Shaolin Kungfu as a most significant component of Chinese traditional culture, symbolizing bravery, firmness and undauntedness.

He added the temple's new status will help maintain the spirit of the venue.

Shaolin Temple, located in the region of Songshan Mountain in Henan, is reputed to be the cradle of various Shaolin Martial Arts, including Shaolin Cudgel.

Shaolin monks in the spotlight during their martial arts show at a ceremony in Henan province, honoring intangible cultural heritage at both provincial and national level on Wednesday afternoon, March 14, 2007. [Photo: cnsphoto]

Editor: Wing