Russian President Vladimir Putin, a black belt in judo, wrapped up his two-day visit to China with an afternoon trip to the famous Shaolin Temple in Central China's Henan Province.

Putin is the first incumbent head of state to visit the shrine to Chinese kung fu.

The temple welcomed the Russian leader with a grand ceremony; and Abbot Shi Yongxin greeted him at the temple gate.

Putin hailed a martial-arts display specially put on for him and had a ten-minute tea break with Shi.

The temple tour was the president's idea, Putin's foreign policy adviser Sergei Pridkhodko told Russian media on the eve of their visit to China.

Russian President Vladimir Putin perches a monk on his head during a visit to the Shaolin Temple in Central China's Henan Province March 22, 2006. Shaolin Temple is widely believed as the origin of martial arts. [Reuters] Click for slideshow on Shaolin Temple