The world-famous Shaolin monks will be in Valletta this month to give a spectacular acrobatic show, during which their fighting skills will be in evidence.

This is the first time that genuine Shaolin monks will visit Malta, according to the China Cultural Centre.

One of the oldest institutionalised  styles of Chinese martial arts, Shaolin Kung Fu was developed in China’s Henan province, and a troupe from the region is headed to Malta to perform in the capital on September 17.

The show – Shaolin Zen Kong Fu and Puyang Acrobatics Spectacular – will be held at St George’s Square at 8.30pm and will also see the participation of the Puyang Acrobatic Troupe.

The company, from the ‘hometown of acrobatics’, dates back 150 years

The company dates back 150 years and is the only State-owned acrobatic troupe in Puyang, known as the hometown of acrobatics. Having won several prestigious awards in domestic and international competitions, the troupe consists of over 200 members and has performed in over 40 countries, living up to its reputation as the “cultural business card of Puyang”.

Though much younger, Henan Province’s Dengfeng Zhongyue Shaolin Boxing Culture Troupe has also toured the world, performing in at least 10 countries. It was founded in 1998 and, during peak tourist season, performs to over 1,000 visitors daily, holding up to 10 performances in one day.

Since its founding, the boxing troupe has held more than 50,000 performances, including 6,000 for charity, for more than two million people.

A limited number of free tickets are available for collection from the China Cultural Centre at 173, Melita Street, Valletta, from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm. More information on 2122 5055 or maltaccc@gmail.com.

Contortionist acrobatics by the Puyang troupe. Photos provided by the China Cultural Centre in Malta