RAMALLAH, Feb. 21 -- The ancient Chinese martial art of Shaolin Kung Fu was on stage for the first time in Palestine Sunday evening, and was highly welcomed by the locals, especially young Kung Fu fans.

A group of 19 Shaolin Kung Fu masters from Henan province of China performed a variety of scenes in the show, including collective boxing, weapons show, hard and soft Qigong, as well as Shaolin unique skills.

Shaolin Kung Fu is one of the national heritages of China and well known among Palestinians. Performing Kung Fu in Palestine not only helps local people understand more about the unique Chinese culture, but boosts friendship and communication between the two nations, according to Chen Xingzhong, director of the Chinese Office in Palestine

Audiences said it was their first time to see real Kung Fu on stage. "The show was amazing. A lot of Palestinian young people love Chinese Kung Fu but they don't have many chances to see it. This is a wonderful opportunity," said Yahya Saleh, a Palestinian audience.

Earlier in the day, the Shaolin Kung Fu delegation met with Palestinian Minister of Culture Ehab Bseiso and Chairman of the Palestinian Olympic Committee Jibril Rajoub. Extending welcome to the delegation, Bseiso hoped there will be more cultural visits between the nations and more books mutually translated. Rajoub wished that China could send more sport coaches to Palestine.

Besides the show, the delegation also exchanged their experiences with some Palestinian youths who have been practicing Kung Fu.

Shaolin Kung Fu is a complex art taught mainly by oral formulas handed down from generation to generation. In history, recognition of inheritors of Shaolin Kung Fu was based on a patriarchal clan system of Shaolin temple.

The reputation of Shaolin Kung Fu was set early during the Sui and Tang dynasties (581 - 907). In the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), it became a unique school of Kung Fu and established itself as a school of excellence.