A GROUP of Shaolin monks has paid a visit to Wrexham in order to forge closer cultural links.

It could even see the county become twinned with a Chinese city after the idea was put forward by the reverend Kong Xing, current Abbot of the Southern Shaolin Temple in China

The reverend was welcomed to the town’s Guildhall, along with two of his disciples, in what was the first visit to Europe by representatives of the Buddhist monastery in its history.

They were met by the Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Andy Williams, to take the first steps towards developing the exchange of culture and tourism between Wales and South China.

During the meeting, Master Xing suggested the area should consider becoming twinned with the temple’s home of Putian, a city which has a population of around three million people.

Wrexham was chosen as the first point of call because of the temple’s working relationship with the Hafan Shaolin Cymru School of Gong Fu, which is based in Ruabon.

The school is run by former Plaid Cymru council candidate Pol Wong, who teaches Shaolin arts to international students both at home and abroad.

Mr Wong said: “I’ve been to the Southern Shaolin Temple many times now and I’m always promoting Shaolin culture.

“The temple has an amazing history as it is 1,500 years old.

“The visit here is because I share the same passion to promote the Shaolin arts.

“We understand the value for individuals, especially for children and for mental health as well as physical health.

“One of the things we’re doing together is we’re organising courses for people from Wales and France and Wrexham will be the liaison office for the west to arrange these tours to China.

“As far as bridge building and cultural exchange goes, both the Abbot of the temple and the local government in Putian have even gone as far saying that they would really like to twin with Wrexham if that is possible.”

Originally built around AD 557, the temple is well-known throughout China.

It was destroyed around three centuries ago and the ruin were overgrown by forestry until they were rediscovered by archaeologists in the 1980s.

The Chinese government has since invested in its restoration and the ambition is for it become the largest Buddhist complex in the world and promote the country’s culture internationally.

In a message written by Master Xing ahead of his trip to Wales, he said: “At the beginning of the Chinese New Year, I am very happy to visit your beautiful country for official visit with my disciples.

“It is the first trip in the 1500 years long history of South Shaolin Monastery to visit Wales and the United Kingdom.

“It will be an honour and a great first milestone for cultural exchange between the two sides.

“During the trip we hope to learn about the presence of Buddhism and martial arts in your region as well as cultural heritages, as we have heard many incredible stories about the history of your country.”

The temple will be sending its performance team to the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen in July this year and will be joined by government officials in a bid to formalise links between the two locations.

This week, visitors have been shown round a number of sites in the area, including Wrexham’s Parish Church, and a welcome evening is being held at the Saith Seren pub on Chester Street on Sunday.

The event starts at 7pm and will include a performance by the Rhos Orpheus Choir.