Bayon Temple to host Cambodia-China martial arts festival

File photo of Shaolin monks and Cambodian bokator proponents at Angkor Wat during the ‘Visit Siem Reap 2024’ campaign. Ministry of Information

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Synopsis: Event will showcase Bokator and Pradal Serey demonstrations, alongside kung fu performances by monks from the Shaolin Temple.

The Ministry of Tourism, in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, will host the Cambodia-China Joint Ancient Martial Arts Festival tomorrow on the northern side of Bayon Temple in Siem Reap Province.

More than 1,000 national and international visitors are expected to watch the demonstratiosn of Bokator, Yuthakun Khom, and Pradal Serey—important elements of the nation’s intangible cultural heritage.

The event supports the “Cambodia-China Year of Tourism” campaign and aims to promote cultural exchange and tourism between the two countries. The festival will feature a joint showcase of Cambodian and Chinese martial arts, highlighting rich traditions and ancient skills.

Cambodia will be represented by 45 male and female athletes.

A total of 16 monks from the Shaolin Temple will perform renowned disciplines such as Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi. Their performances are expected to be a major draw.

The Shaolin monks arrived in Cambodia on Monday. They also staged a brief martial arts performance at Techo International Airport, drawing strong public interest.

Ouk Dara, Secretary-General of the Kun Lbokator Federation, said the event aims to preserve and promote the martial arts heritage of both nations while boosting cultural tourism.

He noted that Cambodian athletes will perform group routines featuring traditional combat styles such as crocodile with its mouth open, crawling tiger, Sra Nge Pen, stick fighting, shield combat, sword techniques, and ancient military codes.

“This event highlights the deep relationship between Cambodia and China. Beyond diplomacy, trade, and tourism, martial arts have long been part of our shared history,” he said, citing carvings at Bayon Temple that depict Cambodian and Chinese martial artists in procession.

The festival is the second edition, following its debut in April 2024 at the same venue, which drew large crowds and positive feedback.

Chhort Bunthang of the Royal Academy of Cambodia said the event reflects the long-standing ties between Cambodia and China, which have recently been elevated to the highest level.

-Khmer Times-