Wrexham's kung-fu master to spearhead Chinese tourism boost

Pol Wong has been building relations between Wales and South China since the early 2000s through his connection to the South Shaolin Temple at Putian in Fujin Province.

Over the years he has invited delegations of Shaolin monks and even an abbot to visit the International Eisteddfod, tour North Wales' castles and historical sites and experience the joy of Welsh choral song. The temple even has a section dedicated to Wales, with photos and descriptions of activities and towns the monks have visited with Pol on display for thousands of annual visitors to see. 

A Shaolin abbot shows the display that features Welsh culture in the South Shaolin Temple. (Image: Pol Wong)

Now Pol - a Welsh-speaker who trained at the South Shaolin temple when he was younger - is hoping to turn that history of cultural exchange into a full on tourism link, with Wrexham well placed to welcome potentially thousands of Chinese tourists eager to experience authentic Wales.

"There are around 200 million Chinese tourists travelling to various countries looking to experience the local culture," said Pol - who runs Hafan Shaolin Cymru at Ruabon. "By 2025 that is projected to increase to 240 million.

"When they do travel they spend on average $6,500 - and they really love Welsh culture. I would like to work with the Welsh Government to establish formal links with Fujin Province - perhaps a presence at the temple itself - to offer group tours, Chinese visitors could experience a little of the real Wales while tourists from the UK would have the opportunity to experience life at the temple in Putian."

Pol - whose family moved to North Wales from China in the 1960s - discovered the Chinese love of Wales when he started to bring Shaolin monks over from Fujin Province to visit North Wales. 

His plan is to build packages around local experiences and produce - turning Chinese visitors' break in Wales into a real experience.

"What Chinese tourists really love is experiences - and they often don't get a great experience in the UK," said Pol. "They sometimes struggle with what to eat, there are few translations for Mandarin speakers and they can find it hard to navigate.

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"They love the clean air and the rural life - especially as many come from huge urban cities. So I believe we can create experiences for them. They love our history and mythology around the Welsh dragon. They always want to know why Wales has its own language - they are so interested in everything.

"We would take them fishing or - and this is something else Chinese tourists love - picking for produce like strawberries and potatoes - and would cook what we brought home. We would also visit farms where they could find high quality Welsh meat and woollen products."

Pol developed the idea after feedback from visitors he invited from Fujin Province.

"I've given them tours of Wales - with the monks we went to the International Eisteddfod where their touring show was performing but we also set up a concert by Rhos Orpheus Choir, 40 years after they had performed in South China.

On a previous visit arranged by Pol, a Shaolin abbot met Rhos Orpheus Choir after they performed for him. (Image: Pol Wong)

"We visited historical sites like Caernarfon Castle and farms where they could sample excellent Welsh produce. We even managed to get to Cardiff and meet the then Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language, now First Minister in the Senedd, Eluned Morgan.

"After the trip they returned with a group of Chinese musicians to perform for Rhos choir which was incredible. There are definitely economic benefits that Wales can enjoy by strengthening the relationship and North Wales and Wrexham can be the gateway for that.

"It could even include sport. The Chinese don't really know rugby so there's an opportunity there, but also with Wrexham FC. They are investing heavily in football development so there is an opportunity there too." 

"I'd love to work with the Senedd and Visit Wales to create a package that really gives tourists on both sides a true, authentic experience. Even down to things like working with local businesses to teach them to speak a little Mandarin, having some signage around too.

"Most importantly I want to connect people, here and in China, so we can experience each others' cultures and show each other the best of Wales and the best of China."