A Shaolin monk performs Kongfu in New York City's Grand Central Station on Feb. 28, 2012. Invited by the Ringling Bros. Circus, Shaolin Temple Wushu Training Center presents a show in New York to demonstrate China's martial arts. [Xinhua/Wang Lei]

A group of Chinese Shaolin monks on Feb. 28 performed Chinese Kung Fu at New York City's Grand Central Terminal to promote a new circus show, "Dragons".

Together with performers from the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey circus, 18 Shaolin monks from China's central Henan province staged a sneak preview of "Dragons" with performance of twisting metal rods with bare hands and breaking six-foot-long wooden poles with the force of their own strength, their new show coming out next month.

A Shaolin monk performs martial arts in New York City's Grand Central Station on Feb. 28, 2012. Invited by the Ringling Bros. Circus, Shaolin Temple Wushu Training Center presents a show in New York to demonstrate China's martial arts. [Xinhua/Wang Lei]

They believe the Dragon symbolizes wisdom and strength and they want to present this spirit to American audiences.

Shi Xingchuang, Shaolin warrior monk, said, "We wish to bring Shaolin Kungfu out of TV shows and movies and portray it before the very eyes of our friends in America."

Their true to life imitations of monkeys, scorpions and eagles quickly caught the eyes of the people at the station, children and adults alike.

Many passengers at the Grand Central Terminal stopped to watch the magic from the Orient when one Shaolin monk was lifted by others high into the air with his body balanced on the tips of spears.

"I think the dragon represents so many different things to different cultures all over the world. Our 'Dragons' show means strength, courage and wisdom and our performers are bringing a bigger and better show than ever before," said Alana Feld, producer of the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey circus. "What the Shaolin warriors do is so amazing, kids can be and do whatever they choose."

The "Dragons" show will officially kick off on March 1 in New Jersey and will tour around the United States this year.

A Shaolin monk performs martial arts in New York City's Grand Central Station on Feb. 28, 2012. Invited by the Ringling Bros. Circus, Shaolin Temple Wushu Training Center presents a show in New York to demonstrate China's martial arts. [Xinhua/Wang Lei]

As Chinese culture gets increasing recognition from folks abroad, more and more Chinese performers are working with their foreign counterparts to help audiences appreciate Chinese culture.

Editor: Liu Fang