1900-1945

The power of the Shaolin monks was still feared because of their potential martial arts skills. During Chiang Kai-shek's rule, the Shaolin Temple became a battlefield in 1928 AD. It was burned down by the Warlord Shi You-San's military. For over 40 days, the fire continued to burn the temple destroying all of the major buildings.

Cultural Revolution

The Cultural Revolution caused the total ruin of Shaolin. The practice of religion, martial arts, or anything that was seen as an individual practice was prohibited. Imprisonment resulted if one taught anything other than Mao Tze-Tung's words. This was seemingly the end of Shaolin's existence.