Shaolin Scandal: What Happened to Former Child Star Shi Xiaolong?

The arrest of former Shaolin Temple head Shi Yongxin (legal name Liu Yingcheng) in November 2025 triggered a wave of scrutiny from Chinese media, focusing on key figures connected to the temple. Amidst this investigation, attention has turned to Shi Xiaolong, a former disciple and a well-known figure in Chinese cinema during the 1990s and 2000s, known by the stage name “Shi Xiaolong.”

A Legacy Forged in Shaolin Tradition

Born in 1988 in Henan province, China, Shi Xiaolong comes from a family deeply rooted in martial arts traditions linked to the Shaolin Temple. His father, Chen Dongshan, was a skilled martial artist from an ancient temple and was considered one of the four most outstanding martial artists at Shaolin. Chen Dongshan later became a lay disciple and served as the head of the Tongshan Shaolin Martial Arts School affiliated with the temple.

Shi Xiaolong began his martial arts training with his father at the age of two, and was accepted as a disciple by Abbot Yongxin, who taught him signature Shaolin styles like Tongbi Quan, Shaolin Stick Art, and the Five Elements Fist. The relationship between master and disciple was described as close, with Shi Xiaolong’s father playing a crucial role in expanding the martial arts school’s business.

From Child Star to Martial Arts Empire

Shi Xiaolong first gained public attention at age four, winning the top prize at the International Shaolin Martial Arts Festival in Zhengzhou. He entered the film industry at age five, quickly rising to fame as a child star in popular martial arts films like “Shaolin Boy” and “Wulong Academy.” He was once seen as a potential successor to martial arts legends like Jet Li and Donnie Yen.

However, unlike many of his peers, Shi Xiaolong decided to halt his acting career during his teenage years. He left for overseas study around age 15, putting his burgeoning film career on hold. Upon his return, the market had shifted, and his film career was no longer as lucrative.

Alongside his acting career, Shi Xiaolong and his father, Chen Dongshan, managed a martial arts school with assets reportedly worth billions of dollars. Chinese media reports indicate that the school has generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue annually.

Caught in the Shaolin Scandal

The scandal surrounding Shi Yongxin erupted in late July 2025, leading to his dismissal as abbot and expulsion from the Chinese Buddhist Association. He was subsequently taken into official custody by the Xinyang City Public Procuratorate in Henan province on suspicion of embezzlement and misappropriation of funds.

Following the arrest of Shi Yongxin, Chinese media began “tracking” key individuals connected to the case. Shi Disheng, described as a “traitor” and former disciple who clashed with Shi Yongxin, was among the first mentioned, having filed lawsuits against the former abbot for years after leaving the temple.

Next came Shi Xiaolong, one of Shi Yongxin’s final disciples. Numerous photos circulating on social media show Shi Xiaolong frequently visiting his master in recent years, even introducing Shi Yongxin to other Chinese martial arts actors.

However, according to Story of Time, Shi Xiaolong was not involved in Shi Yongxin’s criminal activities, nor was his father, martial arts master Chen Dongshan. Despite generating tens of millions of dollars in revenue annually, the Shaolin-affiliated martial arts schools are considered “clean” assets of the temple, with profits consistently reported transparently.

the martial arts teaching business operated by the Shaolin Temple does not face the same controversies as other activities like performances or religious ceremonies.

“Shi Xiaolong is innocent and has not done anything beyond his master-disciple relationship with Shi Yongxin. He endured an extremely difficult childhood and underwent rigorous training at the temple to earn his rightful reputation in the martial arts world,” Story of Time commented.

The website reports that Shi Xiaolong is currently exploring martial arts choreography and film production, while also assisting with the operation of his father’s martial arts school.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shi Xiaolong’s background?

Shi Xiaolong was born in 1988 in Henan province, China, into a family with deep ties to Shaolin martial arts. His father was a renowned martial artist, and Shi Xiaolong began training at the Shaolin Temple at age two.

What was Shi Xiaolong’s role in the Shaolin scandal?

According to reports, Shi Xiaolong was not involved in the criminal activities of Shi Yongxin. He maintained a master-disciple relationship with the former abbot and his father was not implicated in the scandal.

What is Shi Xiaolong doing now?

Shi Xiaolong is currently involved in martial arts choreography, film production, and assisting with the operation of his father’s martial arts school.

As the investigation into Shi Yongxin continues, will the scrutiny of associated figures like Shi Xiaolong lead to further revelations or reforms within the Shaolin Temple and the broader landscape of Chinese Buddhist institutions?