Shaolin Temple controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2025
Former abbot Shi Yongxin approved for arrest on suspicion of misappropriating funds, among other allegations
In November 2025, the Xinxiang Municipal People's Procuratorate approved the arrest of Shi Yongxin, former abbot of Shaolin Temple, in accordance with law, on suspicion of crimes including embezzlement through abuse of position, misappropriation of funds, and accepting bribes as a non-state functionary. Approval of arrest is a progress in criminal proceedings; the cited notice did not provide a court judgment.
2022
Associated-company land investment controversy
A reported land acquisition by a Shaolin-associated company led to criticism that a religious institution and its affiliates were entering real-estate investment. Later reporting said the transaction was exited.
2020
Shaolin Temple accuses Semir of unauthorized use of “Shaolin Kungfu”
Issue disclosure
Songshan Shaolin Temple publicly accused the clothing brand Semir of using “Shaolin Kungfu” on clothing without informing or obtaining authorization from the temple. The source reports an accusation, not a legal determination. The dispute concerns the use of the “Shaolin Kungfu” wording on apparel and the temple's position that such use was not authorized.
Songshan Shaolin Temple publicly accused Semir of using “Shaolin Kungfu” on clothing without informing or obtaining authorization from the temple. The source reports an accusation, not a legal determination.
Source excerpt
Semir, the company, was accused of not informing or obtaining authorization from Shaolin Temple when using the words “Shaolin Kungfu” in its “National Wave” leisure range.
A Chinese clothing company Semir, which owns China's leading children's clothing brand Balabala, was this month accused of IP theft in an open letter by Songshan Shaolin Temple, which took aim at its “Shaolin Kungfu” emblazoned items
2015
Anonymous allegations against Shi Yongxin
Reports described allegations involving temple assets and alleged personal misconduct. The allegations were investigated or publicly disputed, and the supplied material does not establish a final judicial finding from that episode.
2009
Proposed Shaolin-related listing controversy
A proposed tourism-company arrangement was portrayed by some media as an attempt to bring Shaolin tourism or related assets toward a public listing. Shaolin Temple said it would not itself be listed. The proposal was suspended amid criticism about public assets, governance and the commercialization of religious heritage.