Shaolin monks perform at a welcome ceremony of the 9th Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu Festival at Shaolin Temple in Zhengzhou city, central Chinas Henan province, 22 October 2012.

More than 1,500 athletes from 73 countries and regions all over the world take part in the 9th Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu Festival being held in central Chinas Henan province from October 21 to 25.