The number of visitors to the famous Shaolin Temple during Spring Festival decreased by 41.8 percent from the same period last year, Dahe newspaper reported.

The decline of the popular tourist attraction in Henan province over the seven day holiday period comes after it was warned it could lose its top rating for poor service and maintenance.

The scenic spot received some 61,000 people during the holiday. The ticket revenue fell 13.7 percent from the same period last year.

The National Quality Ranking Committee of Tourist Attractions requires the temple to complete an overhaul by the end of March 2012. It will lose its top rating if it fails to meet the criteria by that date.