Qiu Feng, a young man known as China’s “most handsome Shaolin monk,” tragically passed away in a car accident at the age of 21.
Qiu, a top kung fu practitioner whose name translates to “autumn wind,” was en route to a charity performance when the taxi he was in collided with a large truck. The accident occurred on the Zhejiang Zhuyong Expressway in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, on August 7, the traditional start of “autumn day” in China.
Qiu was a 34th-generation Shaolin monk from Jiyuan, located in Henan province in northern China. His martial arts journey began at the age of 13 when he started training at the Songshan Shaolin Temple in Zhengzhou, Henan.
With his striking looks and exceptional kung fu skills, Qiu quickly gained fame and was affectionately nicknamed the “most handsome Shaolin monk” by his admirers. His rise to fame was also fueled by the promotional efforts of the Culture and Tourism Department in Henan province, making him a modern icon for traditional martial arts.
Qiu’s Douyin account garnered 1.8 million followers, with one video of him reciting scriptures in the snow amassing 486,000 likes. Another video, showcasing his powerful kung fu moves in a heavy downpour, received 266,000 likes.
Despite his popularity, Qiu remained modest about his success. “I am just an ordinary monk in the Shaolin Monks Group. The attention I’ve received is due to the unique charm of Shaolin kung fu,” he once remarked.
Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006, Shaolin kung fu’s global appeal has grown significantly. Qiu became an international ambassador for the ancient art, performing at renowned venues like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Sydney Opera House in Australia, alongside his peers.
Tragically, Qiu’s life was cut short just after he posted his last video on Xiaohongshu, where he was seen practicing his craft in Australia.
The fatal accident claimed the life of the taxi driver instantly, while Qiu succumbed to his injuries the following evening. His sister, surnamed Xing, revealed that his head had “suffered multiple impacts.” The police are currently investigating the incident, and Qiu’s family has hired a lawyer.
Qiu’s passing has left many in shock and sorrow. A senior monk at his temple described him as a “positive and motivated person, still very young, with an outgoing personality. He was always respectful to everyone.”
Many online expressed disbelief and sadness over his untimely death. “When I heard the news, I was truly shocked. I kept checking to confirm it, and even now, I cannot get over it. It’s the first time I’ve felt so sad for someone I didn’t know personally,” one commenter shared.
