ShenShi is an abstract strategy board game for 2 to 4 players. Each player has two figures (monks), one grandmaster and one master. The monks are placed on cushions (for meditation). They are able to float with their cushions over the board or to walk from one cushion to another.

Every player has three action points for floating or walking but has to use his master and grandmaster. He must try to release the other player's monks from meditation by stepping on their cushions to score victory points. Only grandmasters may release masters and vice-versa. The released monks leave the board and have to be placed back with their owners next move for one action point.