Shi Yongxin, the former head monk of China's renowned Shaolin Temple, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for embezzlement and bribery, according to state media reports.

The Shaolin Temple, located in Henan Province, is globally famous as the birthplace of kung fu and Chan Buddhism. Often referred to as the "kung fu temple," it has become one of China's most recognizable cultural landmarks and a major tourist destination.

Shi Yongxin served as the temple's abbot and was a prominent figure in promoting Shaolin culture internationally. Under his leadership, the temple expanded its global presence through martial arts performances and cultural exchanges worldwide.

The sentencing represents a significant development for one of China's most famous religious institutions. The temple has faced previous scrutiny over its commercial activities and modernization efforts in recent years.

Details about the specific charges and the timeline of the alleged crimes were not immediately available from the initial reports. The case highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts within China's religious and cultural institutions.