Religion in China

Religion in China is very different, and most Chinese people are either not religious or follow a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucian ideas, often called Chinese folk religion. Many people do not identify with one religion, but those who do often practice Buddhism, folk beliefs, Christianity, or Islam.

Three laughs at Tiger Brook, a Song dynasty (12th century) painting portraying three men representing Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism laughing together

The Chinese government recognizes only five religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity (which includes both Catholicism and Protestantism), and Islam. All religious groups must follow the rules set by the Chinese Communist Party.

Overview

Chinese culture has been shaped by several important traditions, including Confucianism, Taoism, and later Buddhism. These traditions often mix together in what people call Chinese folk religion. Leaders in China once believed they had a special right to rule, called the Mandate of Heaven.

After 1949, the Chinese Communist Party came to power. They do not believe in religion and have sometimes tried to stop people from practicing it. During a big change called the Cultural Revolution, many religious places were damaged. Since then, leaders have allowed some religious activities to return, and places of worship have been rebuilt.

Chinese folk religion is the most common set of beliefs in China. It includes respect for spirits, gods, and important people from the past. Confucianism began during the time of the Zhou leaders, and Taoism grew during the Han time. Buddhism became popular during the Tang time. Other religions like Christianity and Islam also exist in China, though they are smaller groups.

Many people in China mix different beliefs together. Studies show that most people take part in traditions and festivals, and many follow folk religion, Buddhism, Taoism, or other beliefs. Some groups, like the Tibetan people, follow special religions such as Tibetan Buddhism.

History

Main article: History of religion in China

Pre-imperial

Jade dragon of the Hongshan culture. The dragon, associated with the constellation Draco winding around the north ecliptic pole, represents the "protean" primordial power, which embodies yin and yang in unity.

Before big world religions came to East Asia, local tribes believed in spirits and nature. Special people called shamans would speak to the spirits for the tribe. These ideas are still part of many religions in China today. Early Chinese people, like those from the Hongshan culture, believed in many spirits.

Qin and Han

During the Qin dynasty, only one way of thinking was allowed. The Han dynasty brought new religious ideas, like Taoism and Buddhism. People turned to leaders and gods for guidance during hard times.

Squared dǐng 鼎 (ritual cauldron) with tāotiè 饕餮 motif. According to Didier, both the cauldrons and the taotie symmetrical faces originate as symbols of Di as the squared north celestial pole, with four faces.

Three Kingdoms through Tang

Buddhism came to China from far away and became more important. In the Tang dynasty, Buddhism and Taoism grew and mixed together. New ideas about heaven and gods appeared.

Early modern period

In the 1500s, people from Europe brought new ideas and sciences to China. Later, during the Qing dynasty, some Chinese people opposed outside influence, feeling it disrupted their way of life.

20th century to present

In the 1900s, ideas about religion changed a lot in China. Some leaders tried to stop religion, while others allowed it in certain ways. Today, China has many different religions, though the government has rules about how they are practiced. Traditional religions like Buddhism and Taoism are often supported for their cultural importance.

Demographics

Surveys about religion in China can be tricky because many people practice beliefs without joining formal groups. Chinese people often mix different beliefs together, such as Buddhism, Taoism, and folk traditions, without seeing them as separate.

Temple of Mazu, the goddess of the sea, in Shanwei, Guangdong.

Researchers have done many surveys to learn how many people follow different religions in China. These surveys show different results, but generally, most people in China either do not belong to an organized religion or practice a mix of beliefs. Buddhism and folk traditions are especially common. Some surveys also show small numbers of Christians and Muslims.

The practice of religion in China varies by region. Southern areas often focus on family and ancestor worship, while northern areas may emphasize community deities. Certain provinces, like Henan and Shandong, have historically been centers for various folk religious groups and Confucian traditions.

Demographic, political and socioeconomic characteristics of religious believers in six provinces, Yu Tao—CCAP—PU 2008
Religious community	% of population	% male	Average age in years	% agricultural households	% ethnic minority	% married	% Communist Party members	Average education in years	Annual family income in yuan
Traditional folk religion	31.09	64.8	46.46	96.4	1.1	94.6	9.8	5.94	29.772
Buddhism	10.85	54.4	49.44	95.8	0.0	92.1	9.8	5.88	38.911
Protestantism	3.54	47.7	49.66	89.2	4.6	96.9	4.6	5.83	24.168
Taoism	0.71	64.3	50.50	92.9	0.0	100	21.4	6.29	30.630
Catholicism	0.39	66.7	46.33	91.7	8.3	91.7	8.3	7.50	46.010
All religious	46.59	61.6	49.45	96.2	1.2	93.8	9.6	5.94	30.816
All non-religious	53.41	64.6	50.62	96.3	5.5	93.3	15.0	6.40	26.448

Religions by age group, CFPS 2012^: 17
Religion		30–40	40–50	50–60	60+
Buddhism	6.6%	7.9%	5.8%	6.0%	6.0%
Taoism	0.3%	0.4%	0.2%	0.4%	0.4%
Islam	0.3%	0.8%	0.5%	0.8%	0.4%
Christianity	1.5%	1.2%	2.5%	2.3%	2.9%
—Catholicism	0.3%	0.1%	0.6%	0.3%	0.3%
—Protestantism	1.2%	1.1%	1.9%	2.0%	2.6%
Other religion	0.2%	0.5%	0.7%	0.4%	0.7%
Traditional worship or "not religious"	91.0%	89.1%	90.3%	90.2%	89.6%

Religious self-identification of university students in Beijing (2011)

Not religious or other (80.3%)

Buddhism (7.00%)

Confucianism (4.00%)

Christianity (3.90%)

Taoism (2.70%)

Islam (2.10%)

Religious self-identification of participants of the cultural nationalist movement in the mainland (2011)

Confucianism (59.6%)

Buddhism (26.3%)

Taoism (4.10%)

Christianity (0.60%)

Don't know (9.40%)

Religions in each province, major city, and autonomous region of China according to the latest available data
Province	Chinese ancestorism	Buddhism	Christianity	Islam
Fujian	31.31%	40.40%	3.97%	0.32%
Zhejiang	23.02%	23.99%	3.89%
Guangxi	40.48%	10.23%	0.15%
Guangdong	43.71%	5.18%	0.68%
Yunnan	32.22%	13.06%	0.68%	1.52%
Guizhou	31.18%	1.86%	0.49%	0.48%
Jiangsu	16.67%	14.17%	2.67%
Jiangxi	24.05%	7.96%	0.66%
Shandong	25.28%	2.90%	1.54%	0.55%
Hunan	20.19%	2.44%	0.49%
Shanxi	15.61%	3.65%	1.55%
Henan	7.94%	5.52%	4.95%	1.05%
Jilin	7.73%	8.23%	3.26%
Anhui	4.64%	7.83%	4.32%	0.58%
Gansu	3.51%	5.80%	0.28%	7.00%
Heilongjiang	7.73%	4.39%	3.63%	0.35%
Shaanxi	7.58%	6.35%	1.66%	0.4%
Liaoning	7.73%	5.31%	2.00%	0.64%
Sichuan	10.6%	2.06%	0.30%
Hubei	6.5%	2.09%	1.71%
Hebei	5.52%	1.59%	1.13%	0.82%
Hainan	–	–	0.48%

Beijing	–	11.2%	0.78%	1.76%
Chongqing	26.63%	0.85%	0.28%
Shanghai	–	10.30%	1.88%	0.36%
Tianjin	–	–	0.43%

Tibet	19.4%	~80%	0.10%	0.40%
Xinjiang	–	–	1.0%	58%
Ningxia	–	–	1.17%	34%
Qinghai	–	–	0.76%	17.51%
Inner Mongolia	2.36%	12.1%	2.0%	0.91%
China	16%	15%	2.5%	2%^: 13

Cosmological principles

Chinese ideas about religion are different from many Western ones. In old China, there was no word for “religion” like we use today. These ideas grew from mixing Buddhist thoughts with Chinese traditions.

Chinese culture focuses on harmony and balance. Rituals and respect for ancestors are very important. People believe that by honoring their ancestors, they stay connected to their history and culture. These traditions help keep families and communities strong.

The Chinese see the world as full of natural forces. They believe that humans, nature, and the spirits are all connected. This idea helps people live in balance with the world around them.

Main religions

In China, many people who follow a religion mix beliefs from different faiths. Often, these beliefs combine Taoism, Buddhism, and folk religion.

Chinese folk religion is the traditional belief system of the Chinese people. It includes worshipping nature, ancestors, and spirits. People believe the universe follows an order that humans can influence. Worship focuses on gods, immortals, and family founders.

Since the 1980s, Chinese folk religions have grown again in both mainland China and Taiwan. Some forms have been approved to help keep traditional culture alive.

Buddhism in China is mainly Mahayana Buddhism, practiced by Han Chinese, and Tibetan Buddhism, followed by Tibetans and Mongols. Han Chinese Buddhism is the largest religion in mainland China. Tibetan Buddhism, which includes Vajrayana elements, is practiced in regions like Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang. Theravada Buddhism is mainly found in Yunnan among ethnic minorities.

Ethnic minorities' indigenous religions

Different groups in China, like the Bai, Yi, and Tibetan people, have their own special ways of believing and worshipping. These traditions are very important to them and are protected by the government.

Benzhuism (Bai)

Main article: Benzhuism

Benzhuism is the traditional belief of the Bai people in Yunnan. They worship local gods and honored ancestors, calling them "patrons" or "source lords." This religion is similar to the beliefs of the Han Chinese.

Bimoism (Yi)

Main article: Bimoism

Bimoism is the main belief of the Yi people, a large group in Yunnan. Special leaders called bimo and shamans guide the people in their worship. Recently, more people are studying and celebrating this belief.

Bon (Tibetans)

Main article: Bon

Bon is the ancient belief of the Tibetan people, dating back to before Buddhism. It includes special rituals and the worship of a mythical figure named Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche. Bon also includes monks and sacred writings.

Dongbaism (Nakhi)

Main article: Dongbaism

Dongbaism is practiced by the Nakhi people. It mixes beliefs from Bon with older Nakhi traditions. Followers worship nature, spirits, and ancestors, led by special leaders called dongba.

Manchu folk religion

Main article: Manchu folk religion

The Manchu people believe in a god called Apka Enduri, the God of Heaven, and many other spirits in nature. They honor their ancestors and see family names as links to the same divine spirit.

Miao folk religion

Main article: Miao folk religion

Most Miao people keep their old beliefs, which include worshiping a supreme god named Saub and many other spirits. Shamans, called txiv neeb, help connect people with these spirits.

Mongolian folk religion

Main article: Mongolian shamanism

Mongolian belief, also called Tengerism, centers on gods called tngri, with the highest being Qormusta Tengri. Genghis Khan is seen as an important spirit. Shamans lead worship, and special altars called aobao are used for ceremonies.

Qiang folk religion

Main article: Qiang folk religion

The Qiang people believe in many gods of nature and their ancestors. They worship white stones, thinking they hold divine power. Priests called duāngōng guide ceremonies and important festivals.

Yao folk religion

Main article: Yao folk religion

The Yao people mix their beliefs with Taoism. Every Yao man becomes part of this shared belief system. They trace their roots to a mythical ancestor named Panhu.

Zhuang folk religion

Main article: Zhuang folk religion

Zhuang belief, also called Moism, is practiced by the Zhuang people, the largest minority group in China. They believe in a creator god named Buluotuo and honor many spirits and ancestors. Shamans and special leaders guide their worship.

Abrahamic religions

Christianity

Main article: Christianity in China

Further information: Protestantism in China, Catholic Church in China, and Chinese Orthodox Church

Christianity has been in China for a very long time. It includes Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and a few Eastern Orthodox believers.

Christianity has had both good and bad times in China over the years. Recently, it has grown, especially since the late 20th century. Today, many people in China are Christian, but it is still a smaller group compared to other beliefs.

Islam

Main articles: Islam in China and History of Islam in China

Islam came to China many years ago through trade and friendship. Muslims have been important in Chinese history, especially when many chose to live in China.

At different times, Muslims were welcomed and sometimes faced difficulties. Today, Muslims are a small part of China's population, mostly living in western areas. They have their own traditions, food, and special places of worship called mosques.

Judaism

Main article: History of the Jews in China

Small groups of Jewish people lived in China long ago, most famously in Kaifeng. In the 20th century, many Jewish people came to cities like Shanghai during hard times in Europe.

Most of these communities have moved away, but a few of their descendants still live in China, often not knowing much about their history. Today, there are small Jewish communities in places like Shanghai and Beijing.

Baháʼí Faith

Main article: Baháʼí Faith in China

The Baháʼí Faith has been in China since the 1800s.

Other religions

Dharmic religions

Hinduism

Main article: Hinduism in China

Hinduism arrived in China around the same time as Buddhism. It came by sea from southeast India and by land through upper Burma and the famous Silk Route. Ancient Hindu temples and statues have been found in coastal cities and in Dali, Yunnan. Records show Hindu temples existed in Quanzhou and Guangzhou long ago. Hindu ideas influenced Chinese Buddhist monks and Taoist thinkers. Some Hindu gods inspired Chinese folk heroes, like Hanuman inspiring Sun Wukong from Journey to the West. Today, modern forms of Hinduism, like yoga, can be found in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Wuhan, and Harbin.

Sikhism

Manichaeism

Main article: Chinese Manichaeism

Manichaeism reached China in the 7th century, arriving from Central Asia by land and sea. It taught ideas that mixed many cultures and spread quickly. Manichaean leaders spoke with Chinese emperors. At first, it was seen as similar to Buddhism. Later, it faced hard times and was suppressed. It became important in a nearby kingdom, the Uyghur Khaganate, which helped it survive for a while. After that kingdom fell, Manichaeism was persecuted in China. Despite this, it left marks on some Chinese folk beliefs.

Zoroastrianism

Main article: Zoroastrianism

Further information: Sogdia

Zoroastrianism came to China in the 4th century with traders from Sogdiana. At first, it was mostly for foreigners. During the Tang dynasty, Chinese laws did not let ordinary people follow it.

Later, Zoroastrians from Iran settled in cities like Chang'an, Luoyang, and Yangzhou. Over time, more Chinese people began to mix Zoroastrian ideas with their own traditions. In the 18th century, traders from Mumbai brought Zoroastrianism to places like Macau, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou. Zoroastrian communities left China in 1949 but some returned in the 1980s.

Japanese Shinto

Between 1931 and 1945, when Japan controlled parts of northeast China called Manchukuo, many shrines were built there. After World War II, these shrines were torn down. During this time, many new Japanese religious groups also appeared in the region.

New religious movements

New religious movements combine ideas from different religions to create fresh beliefs and practices, often aiming for a better future. They were an important part of China’s religious life in later imperial times.

Irreligion and antireligious persecution

Main articles: Irreligion in China and Antireligious campaigns of the Chinese Communist Party

Many people in China do not follow any religion, and the government supports this idea. In the past, some religions faced restrictions because leaders were concerned about outside influences. During a time called the Cultural Revolution, many religious buildings were damaged, and people could not practice their religions.

Chinese culture often focuses on how people should treat each other and how to govern well, instead of focusing on beliefs about gods or an afterlife. This has led many Chinese people to live without religious practices. Ancient Chinese philosophers also questioned ideas about the soul and after-life, saying these might not be real.