Shaolin Quan has spread widely across China. According to a rough estimate, there are more than 300 Shaolin Quan routines practiced in China today. Well-known among these are Dahong Quan (Great Hong Boxing), Xiaohong Quan (Hong-clan Boxing), Luohan Quan (Arhat Boxing), Chaoyang Quan (Turn-to-the-Sun Boxing), Qinglong Chuhai Quan (Dragon-Raising-from-the-Sea Boxing), Babu Lianhuan Quan (Eight Step Interlocking Boxing), Jingang Quan (Buddha's Warrior Attendant's Boxing), Lianbu Quan (Chain-Step Boxing), Qixing Quan (Seven-Star Boxing), Meihua Quan (Plum-Blossom Boxing), and Pao Quan (Cannon Boxing).

Arhat (saint) Boxing is the leading form in the Shaolin series. This form is divided into eighteen routines, each of which has unique features. Routine One is an imitation of a bad-tempered arhat with an evil mind. Routine Two is an imitation of cunning. It is performed fast one second and slowly the next. Its attacks and feints are so difficult to predict that it is difficult for the enemy to defend himself.