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All China Zhengzhou Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre

Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre

A magical work of architecture where a wind turbine enables monks to levitate.

Zhengzhou, China

Added By
Lew Blank
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Shaolin monk in the process of levitation   Ansis Starks / Mailitis Architects
Monk levitating above the theatre   Ansis Starks / Mailitis Architects
Mountain and tree   Ansis Starks / Mailitis Architects
Inside the levitation chamber   Ansis Starks / Mailitis Architects
Seats in the theatre   Ansis Starks / Mailitis Architects
Wind tunnel pushing air into the levitation chamber   Ansis Starks / Mailitis Architects
Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre   Ansis Starks / Mailitis Architects
Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre from afar   Ansis Starks / Mailitis Architects
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One of the newest additions to China's historic Shaolin Monastery, one of the world's largest schools of Buddhism and Kung Fu, is a massive, wind-spinning levitation machine. The contraption provides monks with the optimal spiritual experience: letting their spirits take flight—literally.

Unlike most theaters, the appropriately named Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre is not a haven for acting, but rather the art of flying. The glass wind tunnel in the center of the amphitheater is powered by massive air flow engines, which allows the Shaolin monks to hover in the air in perfect levitation. The stage's perforated surface quiets the engine room's roar, enabling the monks to float atop the wind tunnel in absolute tranquility.

The Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre sits atop Shaolin Monastery's Cypress Hill. The futuristic, 230-seat Colosseum was designed by the bold Latvian architectural firm Mailitis Architects and symbolizes “mountain and tree,” portrayed by the theater's protruding facade and its mushroom-like glass levitation chamber, respectively.

Visitors can witness the levitating monks by attending shows held inside the theater every week. And sometimes, to the pleasure of daredevils and seekers of inner peace alike, the general public is allowed to step inside the levitation chamber as well.

Related Tags

Monks Flight Buddhism Architecture Engineering Technology Religion Sacred Spaces

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Added By

lewblank

Published

April 24, 2017

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Sources
  • http://www.archdaily.com/867963/shaolin-flying-monks-theatre-mailitis-architects
  • https://www.dezeen.com/2017/03/10/shaolin-flying-levitation-monks-theatre-mailitis-architects-songshan-mountain-henan-province-china/
  • http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2017/03/the-shaolin-flying-monks-temple/
Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre
Shaolin Monastery
Zhengzhou
China
34.508583, 112.935282
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Nearby Places

Shaolin Monastery

Zhengzhou, China

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Photo of Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou

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Places 2

Nearby Places

Shaolin Monastery

Zhengzhou, China

miles away

Longmen Grottoes

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou

China

Places 2

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