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(Macao, January 2, 2013) – The Venetian^® Macao-Resort-Hotel is bringing a group of prominent warrior monks from the world-renowned Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, in China’s Henan province, to showcase to the Macao audience the fascinating traditional Shaolin Kung Fu at the Venetian Theatre between January 8 and 26, 2013. After just hosting the much-loved Christmas classic The Nutcracker from the prestigious National Ballet of China in December, the Venetian Theatre is bringing yet another highly-anticipated, world-class cultural performance to Macao, as part of The Venetian Macao’s long-term effort to contribute to the city’s development into one of Asia’s top entertainment destinations, and a world centre of tourism and leisure. Tickets for World’s Shaolin Temple are on sale now.

The Venetian Macao strives to diversify Macao’s entertainment offering by continuing to bring in performances of different kinds. World’s Shaolin Temple provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Macao locals and tourists alike to appreciate the legendary Shaolin Kung Fu, witnessing the essence of traditional Chinese martial arts live and up close. This cultural performance also offers a great platform to promote one of the most respected Chinese martial traditions to Macao and to the world, setting another example of the integrated resort’s ongoing effort to facilitate cultural exchange.

Recognised as the cradle of kung fu and the origin of Zen, the Shaolin Temple, located on Mount Song is one of China’s Five Great Mountains – the most renowned mountains in Chinese history. Mount Song’s Shaolin Temple has a profound and extensive cultural history, founded in the fifth century and long famous for its association with Chinese martial arts and particularly with Shaolin Kung Fu. The monastery was also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Dengfeng" in 2010. Shaolin Kung Fu emphasizes that “Zen and martial arts share the same origin and have the same goal,” believing that the unique aim of exercising kung fu is to reshape or at least improve one’s disposition. Shaolin Kung Fu incorporates Zen spirit into martial arts, cultivating the wisdom of one’s body and mind ,and mediating while exercising in order to get rid of aggressiveness and  to become free from disturbances in the world.

As part of the Shaolin Temple, the Warrior Monk Training Base follows the doctrine of Zen Buddhism and chooses students and grants graduation in a very strict way. The remote mountain area and dense forest environment allows the selected Shaolin Kung Fu enthusiasts to learn and practice authentic Shaolin Kung Fu techniques with a purified mind, working towards becoming a successful carrier of Shaolin Zen martial arts culture.

World’s Shaolin Templewill take the stage at the Venetian Theatre for its 17-performance run. Featuring champagne service, gourmet food and beverage items and other premium amenities, the multi-purpose Venetian Theatre offers an intimate, luxurious and exclusive venue experience like no other in the region, and aims to play a key role in bringing the best of Chinese and international entertainment to Macao, including culturally-enriching performances. Artists featured in recent performances include world-renowned violinist Jue Yao, Hong Kong diva Elisa Chan, the China National Symphony Orchestra, China’s top three tenors, Cantopop star Hacken Lee, ten-time Grammy Award winner and platinum-selling musician George Benson, and the eminent National Ballet of China, the country’s only national ballet company.

Tickets for the 7:45 pm, January 8 to 26 performances (no shows on January 14 and 21) of World’s Shaolin Temple at the Venetian Theatreare on sale now at all Sands China box offices*. They can be purchased in one of three categories: HKD/MOP 580 (A Reserve), 480 (B Reserve) and 280 (C Reserve). Packages with round trip Cotai Water Jet ferry tickets between Hong Kong and Macao are also available for HKD/MOP 668 (A Reserve), 568 (B Reserve) and 368 (C Reserve). Tickets can be booked online at www.CotaiTicketing.com, or by phone at +853 2882 8818 (Macao) / +852 6333 6660 (HK), and are also available at Tom Lee Outlets and through Hong Kong Ticketing (customer service fee applies) online at www.HKTicketing.com or by phone at +852 3128 8288.

Photo caption: A group of prominent warrior monks from the world-renowned Shaolin Temple in China will perform Shaolin Kung Fuat the Venetian Theatre between January 8 and 26, 2013. Tickets are on sale now at all Sands China box offices.

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About The Venetian^® Macao-Resort-Hotel

Opened in 2007, The Venetian^® Macao-Resort-Hotel is Macao's first integrated resort featuring stunning replicas of the famous canals and architectural icons of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Macao features 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet (111,000 square metres) of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat CotaiArena™ designed for world-class sports events and electrifying entertainment. The Venetian Macao is also home to the unique, 1,800-seat luxury Venetian Theatre, hosting the best in international and Chinese entertainment; more than 30 renowned restaurants; MALO CLINIC Health & Wellness; the incredibly fun QUBE indoor playground and more than 300 retailers at Shoppes Grand Canal. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools and cabanas and a mini-golf course.