[Photo/China Daily]

Chan said it allows viewers to feel they are right in the Shaolin Temple, marveling at its ancient architecture with kung fu masters.

Chan said Jason Scott Lee is perfect for this role as he's not only a Jeet Kune Do expert but also has a great understanding of Western and Eastern traditions.

"In my childhood, I was obsessed with Shaolin kung fu when I watched Hong Kong's martial arts movies. I hoped someday I would visit the Shaolin Temple and often wondered what it would be like to be a warrior monk. Now I've fulfilled my dream," Jason Scott Lee said.

"If I say Shaolin kung fu, I think of fighting, medicine, practice and philosophy. What I've learned about Shaolin kung fu is about being mindful throughout the day," Lee said.

He said qigong - a kung fu system that involves the cultivation of internal breath - is very challenging and different from his training of Jeet Kune Do because Shaolin kung fu has more traditional and classical movements while Jeet Kune Do is quite modern.

"The thing I remember most is getting to know my master (Shi Yongxin) and other monks. They are humorous in life but they are very focused with all their heart in shooting. It's a fascinating contrast," Lee said.

"It's an international crew from five countries. Shaolin kung fu is not only an important part of Chinese culture, but also an international topic because it has many fans in the world," said Jing Shuiqing, director of the international department of the China Intercontinental Communication Center.

xulin@chinadaily.com.cn