Shaolin monks confirmed deal to build temple in Australia

China's Shaolin Temple, famous for its martial arts tradition, on Saturday confirmed that it has bought a piece of land in Australia and is planning to build a temple there "in the Shaolin style."

Following Australian media reports that the temple was planning to spend billions of yuan to build a complex that would include a temple, a four-star hotel, a kung fu academy and a golf course, a spokesman for Shaolin Temple responded that the project in New South Wales State is still in the planning phase, The Beijing News reported.

The spokesman also said that instead of a complex, they will only build a temple in their way.

According to The Beijing News, Shi Yongxin, abbot of Shaolin Temple, made a final payment of about 20 million yuan ($3.19 million) to the city of Shaolhaven in New South Wales, for the over 1,000-hectare property in late February.

The project is expected to boost the local tourism industry and economy.

The Shaolin spokesman explained that the groups who previously ran the location wanted to provide visitors a place to stay and a golf course.

He added the temple is in discussions with the Shaolhaven government and will disclose a formal construction plan following final approval.

The Shaolin Temple in Henan Province has promoted the Shaolin martial arts tradition overseas for years.

The Shaolin Europe Association was established in 2010 and has branches in more than 10 European countries.