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 article discusses the commercialization of Buddhist temples in China, highlighting the transformation of Shaolin Temple into a significant business empire under the leadership of Abbot Shi Yongxin, and explores the revenue-generating strategies of various famous Buddhist mountains and temples in the country [3][5]. Group 1: Shaolin Temple's Commercial Success - Abbot Shi Yongxin initiated the commercialization of Shaolin Temple in 1987, breaking traditional norms and establishing a market-oriented operation [4]. - Over 30 years, Shaolin Temple evolved from a dilapidated site with only 14 monks to a business empire generating over 1.2 billion yuan in annual revenue [5]. - The cultural IP of Shaolin Temple is valued at several billion yuan, with diverse revenue streams including film, cultural products, and e-commerce [4][5]. Group 2: Revenue Models of Famous Buddhist Mountains - The four major Buddhist mountains in China—Wutai Mountain, Putuo Mountain, Emei Mountain, and Jiuhua Mountain—have also adopted commercial strategies, with Emei Mountain being the first to go public [8]. - Emei Mountain reported a revenue of 1.013 billion yuan in 2024, with significant contributions from cable car services and hotel operations [10][11]. - Ticket sales are a major income source, with Emei Mountain's ticket revenue reaching 277 million yuan from 4.67 million visitors in 2024 [10]. Group 3: Ticket Revenue and Visitor Statistics - Putuo Mountain attracts around 9 million visitors annually, generating ticket revenue exceeding 800 million yuan [13]. - Wutai Mountain received 6.96 billion yuan in ticket revenue from 604,730 visitors in 2023 [13]. - Ticket prices for major temples are relatively high, with Putuo Mountain charging 220 yuan and Ling Shan Buddha 210 yuan [13][14]. Group 4: Experience Economy and New Revenue Streams - Temples are increasingly catering to younger generations seeking spiritual retreats, leading to high visitor numbers and significant ticket revenue [14]. - "Incense money" has become a substantial income source, with sales from incense products contributing significantly to temple revenues [18]. - Innovative dining options, such as vegetarian meals and themed cafes, have emerged in temples, attracting more visitors and generating additional income [21][22]. Group 5: Diversification and Investment Strategies - Temples are diversifying their business models, with some engaging in e-commerce and selling cultural products online [24]. - Shaolin Temple has registered over 700 trademarks and developed various products, including traditional medicine and merchandise [27]. - Some temples, like the Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple, have ventured into investment, supporting startups and generating additional revenue streams [28].

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].

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].