China’s Shaolin Temple, internationally famous for its kung-fu training, is to launch a reality TV series in March 2006. Chinese Kung Fu Star Search will see participants competing in the eight-month long competition, with viewers rating contestants on virtue, kung fu skills and artistry via SMS or the internet. Once 108 of the all-male contestants are left, the same number as the rebels in the classic Chinese novel Outlaws of the Marsh, finalists will get the chance to perform in a $25 million movie and TV series called Legends of Monk Warriors from Shaolin Temple, the Xinhua news agency reported. The productions are the latest strategy of the Shaolin Temple Culture Communications Company to promote the activities of the 1,500 year old temple and its monks. The reality show will attempt to surpass China’s latest ratings winner, Inner Mongolian Cow Sour Yoghurt Supergirl, a version of Pop Idol (named after its dairy sponsor), which drew more than 400 million viewers for the final in August.