Zen shaolin debuted on Oct, 17 close to the internationally known Shaolin Temple on the Songshan Mountain, in central China's Henan Province.

Using a combination of modern technology and traditional martial arts, the renowned Chinese musician Tan Dun has produced a visual and acoustical feast. The orchestration, sound and lightning has cost almost 100 million yuan (US$12.5 million). The total cost to stage the production in conjunction with big Zen Resorts will be 350 million yuan (US$43.9 million), according to experts.

The show which features Zen culture, Shaolin kungfu, monks' choirs, temple tolls and natural sound effects has acts: Water, Light, Wind and Stone.

Around 600 actors and artists are used in the performance.

Over 3,000 audiences can be seated in the outdoor theater to enjoy the show as well as the natural wonders of the area. Zen Shaolin's ultimate goal is to allow the audience to understand and feel the philosophy of "unity of heaven and humanity".

The stage faces the beautiful chalk mountains and is flanked by the audience. 2,226 lights have been installed, including more than 1,000 seven-color LEDs hidden in surrounding mountains.

A unique feature of the show is the use of natural "instruments" such as chime stones, flowing streams and the blowing "wind" created from Mongolian hoomi singing, the sounds of monks' robes, leaves and papers as well as, and computer-simulated sounds.

"The music feast will also create the first music art education base of Chinese Zen culture." Tan believes that the show has an obligation to publicize the deeper culture of Chinese Buddhism.

The show is a perfect combination of martial arts and dance.

Note: Chinatravel can arrange tours to that performance.