{
  "id": 4051629,
  "title": "Kung fu, dragon dances and TikTok: Inside Africa’s first Shaolin Temple",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/kung-fu-dragon-dances-and-tiktok-inside-africas-first-shaolin-temple",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2026/08/29/kung-fu-dragon-dances-and-tiktok-inside-africas-first-shaolin-temple/233006"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a remote corner of Zambia, a striking contrast emerges with the emergence of the Shaolin Temple outside Lusaka. Despite its distant appearance, the temple showcases a vibrant blend of Chinese and African culture, offering a unique insight into the growing influence of China in the region.\n\nThe sprawling complex, stretching over 20,000 square meters, was donated by Chinese businessman Jiang Qingde and bears a cost of nearly US$6 million (RM24 million). With the assistance of 30-year-old instructor Yan Chen, the temple has become one of the most visible symbols of China's cultural footprint in Zambia, a country already deeply influenced by Beijing's investment in various sectors.\n\nThe Shaolin Temple, Africa's first of its kind, has become a beacon for young Zambians seeking a new direction in their lives. John Bwalya, 23, arrived at the temple three years ago and has since become one of its most prominent students. Bwalya, who grew up watching Karate Kid movies, now resides at the temple along with 36 other students, most from disadvantaged backgrounds. Under the watchful eyes of four Chinese instructors and a Zambian, an Ivorian, the students' days commence at 3am and are filled with a rigorous training regime.\n\nDespite the Chinese presence, the students have proven their acceptance and appreciation of the culture. Mathews Mafulu, also 18, was initially bullied and lazy but has since transformed through his involvement at the temple. Mafulu believes that kung fu has made him \"jacked up, creative and a little strong\". His perspective emphasizes the mutual exchange of cultures, where both Chinese and African traditions are being shared and learned from one another.\n\nThe influence of the Shaolin Temple extends beyond the training yard, reaching millions of viewers on platforms like TikTok and Douyin. Ronald Mwale, 26, is one of the temple's biggest faces, having travelled to China four times and is set to stay there for a year starting next month. Mwale's TikTok videos, chronicling his life inside the temple, have garnered over 615,000 followers. His journey, from being a martial arts enthusiast to a social media sensation, has opened up new opportunities for him, including a burgeoning acting career.\n\nThe Shaolin Temple is more than just martial arts, according to instructor Yan Chen, who believes it offers the students hope for their futures. As the students gathered for a prayer, their chanting echoed through the temple, accompanied by curious visitors, highlighting the profound impact of the temple on the lives of these young Zambians.",
  "summary": "NGWERERE, Aug 29 — From a distance, the Shaolin Temple outside Lusaka appeared almost like a mirage, a slice of ce...",
  "key_points": [
    "Shaolin Temple, Africa's first, blends Chinese and African culture in Zambia",
    "30-year-old instructor Yan Chen leads 37 students from disadvantaged backgrounds",
    "Temple's TikTok fame reaches millions, sparking acting career opportunities"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}