Shaolin Temple in Henan Province

3. Ancient Fight by Shaolin Monks

These are Chinese postage stamps commemorating the Shaolin Monastery. Legend says that 13 Shaolin Monks used their defensive martial arts to rescue a Tang Emperor from rebel troops; 40 others routed a band of Japanese pirates. Today, Shaolin boxing claims a million adherents worldwide -- but the monastery houses fewer than a dozen monks, all over 50 years old. Today the old Shaolin Temple has become a famous spot of Buddhism and a tourist attraction.