China's famed Shaolin Temple plans massive hotel, kung fu and school project in Australia

In this Oct. 22, 2012 photo, visitors walk past as young monks offer prayers outside the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng city in central China's Henan province. The temple which is historically known for its martial arts traditions but recently has gained a controversial reputation for aggressive commercialization is planning to build a $297-million complex that includes a temple, a hotel, a kung fu academy and a golf course in Australia. (AP Photo) CHINA OUT (The Associated Press)

In this July 3, 2006 photo, Shi Yongxin, abbot of Shaolin Temple speaks at the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng in central China's Henan province. The temple which is historically known for its martial arts traditions but recently has gained a controversial reputation for aggressive commercialization is planning to build a $297-million complex that includes a temple, a hotel, a kung fu academy and a golf course in Australia. (AP Photo) CHINA OUT (The Associated Press)

BEIJING – A Chinese temple famous for its martial arts is planning to build a $297-million complex that includes a temple, a hotel, a kung fu academy and a golf course in Australia.

Shoalhaven City Coucil in New South Wales said earlier this month that Shaolin Temple Foundation Australia, the developer, had finalized land purchase at Comberton Grange for what will be known as Shaolin Village.

Mayor Joanna Gash said Saturday that the city council and the state government have both approved the concept plan for the project, which proposes to build a temple sanctuary with resident monks, a live-in kung fu academy, a 500-bed four-star hotel, a 27-hole golf course and a residential development.

Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the temple in central China, has a reputation for business acumen.