Shi Yongxin, the 30th-generation abbot of the legendary Shaolin Temple, led a cultural delegation to perform kung fu at United Nations headquarters on Wednesday.

Performing traditional Chinese martial arts moves, the 18-member group wowed the audience, many of whom said they had never seen such feats before.

Shi introduced the Shaolin culture, saying Shaolin kung fu could be considered a media outlet, as it provides a ready way of sharing the wisdom of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin's contribution to the peace and health of mankind.

He said that the Shaolin Temple, which was founded during the Northern Wei Dynasty in 495 AD and is the birthplace of Shaolin martial arts and Zen Buddhism Shaolin kung fu, was legendary around the world.

Steve Orlins, president of the National Committee on US-China Relations attended the event.

Orlins said sports and cultural exchanges play an important role in US-China relations. He recalled the legacy of "ping-pong diplomacy", and said he believed that exchanges like the Shaolin delegation's visit would strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

The appearance was co-hosted by the American-China Sports Association (ACSA) and Union National Culture & Sports Foundation.

Chen Ping, chairwoman of ACSA, said she views Shaolin kung fu as a holy and sacred tradition.

"The success of tonight's event inspires us to develop sports and cultural exchanges with confidence and determination," she said. "We will continue our efforts to make a difference."

Since Yongxin took office, he has continually promoted Shaolin martial arts and the Shaolin Temple in general. Yongxin and Shaolin Buddhist monks have visited Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, the US, Russia, and other regions to spread Chinese traditional culture in order to promote friendship and understanding between foreign cultures.

The essence of Shaolin kung fu is the unity of Zen, which focuses on the combination of chan (mind) and kung fu (body).

The performance at the UN was part of the 2013 Shaolin Temple Cultural Festival.

As part of the festival, Yongxin gave a speech at the Memorial Church at Harvard University on Oct 8, where he described the fundamental aim of Buddhism as being to spiritualize the mind, seek wisdom, reflect on your motivations, live a simpler, healthier lifestyle, study the Buddha's teachings regularly, and keep practicing and learning from others.

Shi and the Shaolin cultural delegation will give a kung fu demonstration in Los Angeles on Oct 12.