BEIJING, Mar. 3-- The application process for Shaolin Kungfu's inclusion as a masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity has started.

Shaolin Kungfu is one of the major branches of Chinese martial arts and originates from the Shaolin Temple on Songshan Mountain, in central China's Henan Province.

Having developed over 1,500 years, it has become complete martial art with numerous varieties and unique characteristics.

Sine it's very effective for bodybuilding and self-defense, Shaolin Kungfu is very popular in China and is rapidly gaining in popularity throughout the world.

In 1998, UNESCO created an international distinction entitled"Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" to honor the most remarkable examples of the oral and intangible culture.

Till now, only two Chinese masterpieces have been honoured with the title, Kunqu Opera Guqin Music.

(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)