以下文章来源于前瞻经济学人 ，作者产业观察组 前瞻经济学人 . 关注中国城市发展战略、把握全球新兴产业趋势！这是省长书记爱看的智库号之一。 来源丨前瞻经济学人（ chanyeqianzhan ） 作者丨产业观察组 图源丨Midjourney 少林寺，变天了! 7月31日，第一财经直播进少林，内里场景令人吃惊： 过去拿着收款码满大殿晃悠的"武僧"，消失不见；以往付费获取的少林资料，如今免费翻阅；之前动 辄几百上千的一炷香，也可以随便拿了。此外，还有消息称，少林寺或将停止商业表演、解散武僧 团，取消大部分的收费项目。 随着印乐法师从白马寺走马上任少林寺，过去少林寺引以为傲的商业气息，似乎要荡涤一空。这座禅 宗祖庭终于要回归人们印象中专注清修参禅、机辩顿悟的景象。 不过现实地说，白马寺的清净很大程度依赖政府补贴，这种运作模式能否简单移植到作为登封"摇钱 树"的少林寺身上，还很难说。 更何况，少林寺开创的寺庙经济早已经不是一家事务， 寺庙整体的商业化已经深入骨髓 。 时间回溯到2023年，疫情结束，百业待兴，尤其是和民生息息相关的消费行业，景区、商场、餐 饮，翘首期盼着重现当初勃勃生机、万物竞发的盛况。 没想到的是， ...

Core Viewpoint - The temple economy has become a high-profit sector within the cultural tourism industry, with market size expected to exceed 100 billion yuan by 2025-2026, driven by ticket sales, incense offerings, and various related services [1][2]. Group 1: Revenue Sources and Visitor Statistics - Major temples such as Shaolin Temple, Jiuhua Mountain, Emei Mountain, Lingyin Temple, Yonghe Palace, and Ling Shan Buddha generate significant revenue primarily from ticket sales and incense offerings, with annual visitor numbers reaching hundreds of millions [2]. - Emei Mountain A (000888.SZ) reported a revenue of 1.013 billion yuan in 2024, with a net profit of 235 million yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 3.08% [2]. - Lingyin Temple received 12 million visitors in 2023, generating ticket revenue of 360 million yuan, with projections of 11 million visitors and 330 million yuan in revenue for 2024 [3]. Group 2: Business Segments and Growth - Jiuhua Tourism (603199.SH) reported a revenue of approximately 764 million yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 5.64%, and a net profit of 186 million yuan, growing by 6.5% [4]. - The revenue breakdown for Jiuhua Tourism includes hotel services (237 million yuan), cable car services (293 million yuan), and passenger transport (159 million yuan), with the latter showing a significant growth of 31.24% [4]. Group 3: Cultural and Culinary Integration - The temple economy's core income is derived from ticket sales and incense offerings, supplemented by tourism routes, transportation, cultural performances, and vegetarian dining options, which contribute significantly to revenue [6]. - Emei Mountain has implemented various promotional activities and policies to boost tourism, achieving a record 6.2 million visitors in 2024, with ticket revenue reaching 491 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 248.38% [6]. Group 4: Digital and Creative Economy - The temple economy has diversified into digital and creative products, with significant sales through online platforms. For instance, Lingyin Temple's products have generated over 2 billion yuan in annual output value through local tourism clusters [8]. - The revenue composition of the temple economy includes over 30% from ticket sales, over 20% from incense offerings, and around 18% from creative products, indicating a shift towards a more diversified income model [8]. Group 5: Cultural Experience and Emotional Value - The popularity of temple tourism is attributed to emotional value and cultural experiences, providing a therapeutic outlet for visitors, especially younger generations facing stress [10]. - The industry faces challenges regarding commercialization and maintaining the integrity of cultural sites, emphasizing the need for regulation and responsible management to ensure sustainable development [10].

Core Viewpoint - The recent investigation of Shaolin Temple's abbot Shi Yongxin for misappropriation of temple assets highlights the commercialization of Buddhist temples in China, with Shaolin Temple serving as a prime example of this trend [1][3]. Group 1: Shaolin Temple's Commercialization - Since becoming the abbot in 1987, Shi Yongxin has transformed Shaolin Temple from a dilapidated site with only 14 monks into a commercial empire generating over 1.2 billion yuan in annual revenue [3]. - Shaolin Temple has registered over 700 trademarks globally and has diversified its revenue streams through cultural tourism, film, e-commerce, and various merchandise, with its cultural IP valued at several billion yuan [1][19]. - The temple's approach to commercialization, including the idea that "monks also need to eat," has broken traditional barriers and led to a market-oriented operation [1][3]. Group 2: Revenue Generation in Buddhist Temples - Major Buddhist mountains like Emei Mountain, Wutai Mountain, and others have also adopted commercial strategies, with Emei Mountain generating 1.013 billion yuan in revenue in 2024, primarily from cable car services [4][6]. - Ticket sales are a significant revenue source for many temples, with Wutai Mountain earning 696 million yuan from ticket sales in 2023, and Putuo Mountain generating over 800 million yuan annually from ticket sales [8][9]. - The commercialization of temples has led to the emergence of new revenue streams, including electronic donation systems and innovative dining options, such as vegetarian meals and coffee shops within temple premises [14][18]. Group 3: Investment and Diversification - Temples are increasingly engaging in investment activities, with some, like the Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple, participating in angel investments in startups, showcasing a shift towards a more diversified business model [19][23]. - The integration of cultural and tourism development with traditional temple activities has created a comprehensive business model, allowing temples to thrive financially while maintaining their religious significance [23]. - The trend of temples acting as business conglomerates is evident, with many temples exploring various sectors, including real estate, cultural tourism, and technology [23].

Market Overview - The market showed a slow upward trend with the Shanghai Composite Index, Shenzhen Component Index, and ChiNext Index closing up by 0.12%, 0.44%, and 0.96% respectively, indicating a mixed performance overall [4][5] Film Industry - The film sector opened strong, with notable stocks like Happiness Blue Sea and China Film hitting the daily limit, while the overall sector rose by 2.34% [7] - The summer box office for 2025 has surpassed 5 billion yuan, with daily box office exceeding 100 million yuan for ten consecutive days [7] - The film "Nanjing Photo Studio" has exceeded expectations, grossing over 400 million yuan in its first three days, with total box office predictions now exceeding 3.2 billion yuan [7] Commodity Futures - Commodity futures have shown significant volatility, with polysilicon futures experiencing a sharp drop after a previous surge, while coking coal and coke futures also faced declines [9][10] - Lithium carbonate futures had a strong performance last week but faced a correction today, with related A-share stocks showing slight declines [10] Autonomous Driving - Shanghai issued the first batch of demonstration operation licenses for intelligent connected vehicles, which had been anticipated for several weeks [14] - Despite the hype, stocks in the autonomous driving sector experienced a collective decline, with companies like Jinjiang Online and Shanghai Public Transport seeing significant drops [16] Tourism Sector - The recent controversy surrounding the abbot of Shaolin Temple has sparked interest in related tourism stocks, particularly Emei Mountain A, which opened up by 3% but closed with a modest gain of less than 1% [23]

Core Viewpoint - The investigation into Shi Yongxin, the abbot of Shaolin Temple, reveals a complex intertwining of religious leadership and commercial enterprise, highlighting the commercialization of Buddhist culture and the potential risks associated with such practices [2][4][5]. Group 1: Background and Investigation - Shi Yongxin is under investigation for alleged criminal activities, including misappropriation of funds and maintaining improper relationships, which has led to a significant public outcry and scrutiny of his dual role as a religious leader and businessman [2][4]. - His rise to power began in 1981, and by 1999, he became the youngest abbot in the temple's history, holding various influential positions within the Buddhist community [3]. Group 2: Commercial Ventures - Shi Yongxin has expanded the Shaolin brand into various commercial sectors, including publishing, gaming, and health products, significantly increasing the temple's revenue streams [6][7]. - The Shaolin Temple has established a strong international presence, with cultural centers and performances generating substantial income, including annual global tours that have seen ticket prices rise from $100,000 to $500,000 per show [7][9]. Group 3: Business Structure - The Shaolin Intangible Asset Management Company serves as the core platform for Shi Yongxin's business operations, having invested in multiple sectors, including retail, culture, and entertainment [9][10]. - The company has made significant investments, including a notable purchase of commercial land in Zhengzhou for 452 million yuan, aimed at developing cultural industries [10]. Group 4: Market Trends - The temple economy is experiencing a surge, particularly among younger demographics, with ticket sales for Buddhist cultural sites increasing by 310% year-on-year, indicating a shift towards a more commercialized approach to religious practices [13][15]. - The trend of capitalizing on religious sites has led to the listing of major Buddhist mountains on stock exchanges, with companies like Emei Mountain A and Jiuhua Tourism actively engaging in the market [16][17].

Core Viewpoint - The rise of temple economy is driven by young people's search for emotional solace amidst high living costs and work pressures, leading to increased spending on temple-related activities and products [3][4][19]. Group 1: Temple Economy Growth - Young people are increasingly turning to temples for stress relief, with 56.5% indicating that incense burning is a way to release pressure [3]. - The popularity of temple visits has transformed them into social hotspots, with over 176 million posts on social media platforms related to temple travel [3]. - There are over 30,000 temples in China, most of which have commercialized, particularly in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, with many generating over 100 million in revenue [4]. Group 2: Revenue Streams - Temple revenues primarily come from ticket sales, incense offerings, and donations, with additional income from activities like trademark licensing and advertising [7][8]. - For example, Lingyin Temple charges a ticket price of 45 yuan, attracting 12 million visitors annually, generating 670 million yuan in cash flow [8]. - The incense economy is a significant profit driver, with prices for offerings ranging from tens to over 100,000 yuan [9][10]. Group 3: Capitalization and Investment - Some temples are being packaged as tourism companies, with Emei Mountain being the first to list on the stock exchange in 1997, generating 1.013 billion yuan in revenue in 2024 [14]. - Other temples, like Jiuhua Mountain, have improved their facilities post-IPO to enhance service levels [16]. - Temples are also engaging in investment activities, with examples like the Jade Buddha Temple providing loans to startups, showcasing their financial acumen [17]. Group 4: Cultural and Economic Balance - The commercialization of temples raises concerns about the dilution of their cultural and spiritual significance, with some temples criticized for prioritizing profit over faith [20][21]. - However, there are examples of temples maintaining a balance between economic activities and social contributions, such as those that support charitable causes [21]. - The future of temple economy should focus on balancing economic benefits with social responsibilities, ensuring that faith and culture are preserved while generating revenue [24].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of temples in contemporary China into cultural and commercial hubs, serving as "spiritual emergency rooms" for the younger generation seeking solace and cultural experiences [10][24][26]. Group 1: Cultural Transformation of Temples - Temples are increasingly attracting young visitors who engage in activities like incense burning and purchasing temple-related products, reflecting a cultural shift [6][9]. - Social media platforms like Xiaohongshu are reshaping the way temples are perceived and experienced, with a significant number of posts related to temple visits and experiences [12][16]. - The integration of modern elements, such as cafes and digital content, is redefining the traditional temple experience, making it more accessible and appealing to younger audiences [19][20][22]. Group 2: Economic Impact and Commercialization - The temple economy is rapidly evolving, with ticket sales and product offerings generating substantial revenue, exemplified by Lingyin Temple's 120 million visitors and 360 million yuan in ticket income [30]. - The commercialization of temples has led to the creation of a complete industrial chain, with significant financial implications, including the reported 310% increase in ticket orders for temple-related attractions [29][30]. - However, the commercialization raises ethical concerns, as some temples engage in practices that blur the lines between spirituality and profit, leading to regulatory scrutiny [34][37]. Group 3: Mental Health and Societal Trends - A significant portion of the younger population experiences anxiety, with temples emerging as places for collective healing and mental wellness [24][26]. - The rise in temple visits correlates with a cultural awakening among young people, who seek to blend traditional practices with modern lifestyles [25][26]. - The phenomenon of "religious consumption" reflects a deeper psychological need for comfort and cultural identity among the youth [26][41]. Group 4: Future Directions and Sustainability - The sustainable development of temple economies requires a balance between commercial interests and cultural integrity, supported by policy guidance and social oversight [42][43]. - Innovative models, such as the "public welfare attribute + commercial feedback" approach, are being explored to maintain the independence of religious sites while fostering cultural transmission [38][40].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of traditional temples in China into modern cultural and commercial spaces, driven largely by the younger generation seeking spiritual solace and cultural experiences [5][15][17]. Group 1: Visitor Trends - Young people are the primary visitors to temples, engaging in activities such as incense burning and purchasing temple-related products [3][4]. - Social media platforms like Xiaohongshu are reshaping the way temples are marketed and experienced, with significant engagement from younger audiences [6][10]. - A survey by the Zhejiang Buddhist Association indicates that 63% of post-85 visitors document their worship experiences, with 91% sharing on social media [10]. Group 2: Commercialization of Temples - The temple economy is rapidly evolving, with ticket sales for temple-related attractions increasing by 310% in 2023, and 50% of visitors being from the post-95 and post-00 generations [18]. - Lingyin Temple received 12 million visitors in 2023, generating ticket revenue of 360 million yuan, while Shaolin Temple has expanded its global market through cultural centers [19]. - The commercialization of temples has led to a complete industrial chain, with products like Lingyin Temple's Chenpi soy sauce generating significant revenue [19]. Group 3: Cultural and Ethical Considerations - The commercialization of temples raises ethical concerns, with practices such as mandatory high-priced offerings and the commodification of religious experiences being criticized [20]. - Some temples are exploring innovative models that balance commercial interests with cultural preservation, such as the "Juequn Entrepreneurship Fund" initiated by Yuyuan Temple [21][24]. - The article emphasizes the need for a sustainable development model that integrates commercial logic with cultural ethics, ensuring the sacredness of religious spaces is maintained while fostering economic growth [24].