Buddhist monks from Shaolin Temple, known for kungfu legends, have been sent to work at four temples in Kunming, Yunnan province, its abbot Shi Yongxin said in a press release on Monday.

Master Yanlu, who is in charge of external relations at Shaolin, told China Daily yesterday that 10 monks have moved to Yunnan, where they will help with charity and maintenance work at the temples, and also assist with the preservation of relics.

"The move will help to build a bridge between the cultures of Henan and Yunnan, and increase the influence of Shaolin," he said.