Shaolin was a place of Buddhism and did not involve itself in the war. It was a long time ago since Shaolin were used in any other capacity than Buddhist teachings. Although they trained in 5 Animal Kung Fu they were no longer inclined to kill for the empire. So when the Manchus took over the Shaolin did not resist. As a spiritual center of China, Shaolin offered help and assistance to all who came. This caused it to involuntarily became a safe haven for the resistance fighters. Many loyal Ming soldiers and nobles sought refuge and help in Shaolin and although Shaolin Monks themselves remained passive and non violent they still protecting their temples and people therein. This was a thorn in the Invaders side; and it was in the center of China. Once all the major areas or resistance and strife were settled, this thorn needed to be removed.

Around 1647 Shaolin was successfully attacked and destroyed. Large amounts of Ching loyal troops, armed with cannons and other explosives leveled much of the temple and killed anyone left in there also destroying many records. Not all Shaolin were destroyed and the center of operations was moved to Fukien and continued for another 30 years. This in turn led to the attack and destruction of the Fukien temple. This would have meant the total destruction of all things Shaolin. Yet there were rumors and legends.