A 30-member delegation composed of monks in Shaolin Temple flew to Taiwan Saturday to demonstrate kung fu skills in the island province, sources with Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan Province told Xinhua Sunday.

With green light from Taiwan authorities, they will stay in Taiwan for 27 days to stage kung fu performance and teach martial arts skills in six cities including Taipei and Kaohsiung.

The second group of 20 monks, led by Master Shi Yongxin, abbot of Shaolin Temple, will leave for Taiwan on Aug. 23.

Shi said Kung fu demonstration will be staged in Taiwan at the request of Taiwan compatriots and more than 4,000 people have applied to attend free, short-term kung fu teaching sessions.

He said the event is sponsored by Taiwan Secom Co. and will end on Sept. 1.

Shaolin Temple, built in 495 in Songshan Mountain of Henan Province, is the cradle of Chinese martial arts.

Source: Xinhua