The Shaolin Temple scenic spot is facing the risk of losing its top-class rating after an undercover inquiry organized by China’s National Tourism Administration, the Oriental Outlook - a weekly magazine - reported on Monday.

The scenic site, best known for the Shaolin Temple, which has been recognized as the origin of Chan Buddhism and the cradle of Chinese kungfu, was found to have poor management and failed to meet the criteria of national 5A class tourist attractions, China’s top rating for scenic spots, in terms of service, quality and environment.

The National Quality Ranking Committee of Tourist Attractions issued a notice on Dec 4, 2011 requiring the scenic spot to launch and complete an overhaul of its operations before the end of March 2012.

It will lose its 5A rating if it still cannot meet the criteria after the overhaul, according to the notice.

The Shaolin Temple scenic spot was rated by the National Tourism Administration as a national 5A class tourist attraction in May 2007. It is the first time it faces the risk of losing its 5A class.

The local tourism administration has been ordered to address the problems urgently and properly.