Religion in China

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

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.

A survey from 2023 found that about 93% of people in China say they are not tied to any religion. Among those who do follow a religion, most belong to folk beliefs, followed by Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.

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, and took part in religious activities.

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 and groups were damaged or hidden. 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 without joining just one religion. 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

Before big world religions came to East Asia, local tribes had beliefs about spirits and nature. Special people called shamans would talk 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, and other ideas were stopped. The Han dynasty brought new religious ideas, like Taoism and Buddhism. People looked to leaders and gods for guidance during tough times.

Three Kingdoms through Tang

Buddhism came to China from places far away and grew in importance. In the Tang dynasty, both 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 fought against 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 difficult because many people practice beliefs without joining formal religious groups. Chinese people often mix different beliefs together, such as Buddhism, Taoism, and folk traditions, without seeing them as separate.

Researchers have conducted many surveys to understand how many people follow different religions in China. These surveys show a variety of 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 percentages 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.

Cosmological principles

Chinese ideas about religion are different from many Western ones. In old China, there wasn’t even a word for “religion” like we use today. The concept grew from mixing Buddhist ideas 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 combine beliefs from different faiths. Often, these beliefs mix 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 that the universe follows a rational order that can be influenced by humans and their leaders. Worship focuses on gods, immortals, and founders of families or groups.

Since the 1980s, Chinese folk religions have seen a revival in both mainland China and Taiwan. Some forms have received official approval for preserving traditional culture. According to recent studies, about 80% of China's population, around 1 billion people, practices folk religion or belongs to folk religious movements. Additionally, about 14% of the population identifies with Taoist practices.

Buddhism in China is mainly represented by Mahayana Buddhism, practiced by Han Chinese, and Tibetan Buddhism, followed by Tibetans and Mongols. Han Chinese Buddhism focuses on Mahayana sutras and is the largest institutionalized religion in mainland China, with an estimated 185 to 250 million followers. 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, such as 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 quite similar to the beliefs of the Han Chinese.

Bimoism (Yi)

Main article: Bimoism

Bimoism is the main belief of the Yi people, another large group in Yunnan. Special leaders called bimo and shamans guide the people in their worship. Recently, this belief has grown stronger, with more people studying and celebrating it.

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, play a key role in connecting 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 since ancient times, with different periods of growth and decline. It includes Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and a small number of Eastern Orthodox believers.

Christianity faced challenges over the centuries, including periods when it was not allowed. In more recent times, it has grown, especially in the late 20th century. Today, millions of people in China identify as Christian, though it remains a minority compared to other beliefs.

Islam

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

Islam arrived in China many centuries ago through trade and diplomacy. Muslims have played important roles in Chinese history, especially during times when many came to live in China.

In different periods, Muslims faced both acceptance and conflict. Today, Muslims make up a small part of China's population, mostly living in western regions. They have their own traditions, food, and places of worship called mosques.

Judaism

Main article: History of the Jews in China

Small groups of Jewish people settled in China long ago, most notably in Kaifeng. In the 20th century, many Jewish refugees came to cities like Shanghai during difficult times in Europe.

Most of these communities have since moved away, but some descendants still live in China, often unaware of their background. 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 present in China since the 1800s.

Other religions

Dharmic religions

Hinduism

Main article: Hinduism in China

Hinduism came to China around the same time as Buddhism, brought by Indian traders. It arrived through different routes, including sea paths from southeast India and land routes 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 that in the year 758, there were three Hindu temples in Guangzhou, with Hindu families living there, and temples in Quanzhou. Hindu temples have also been found in Xinjiang, dating back even earlier than those in southeast China.

Hindu texts were translated into Chinese, including important Indian writings. Chinese Buddhist monks studied Hindu scriptures and ideas. In the Sui and Tang dynasty, many Hindu texts were translated into Chinese. There was also an exchange of ideas between Chinese Taoists and Hindu groups in India. Some Hindu gods became part of Chinese folk religion, like the god Hanuman, who inspired the Chinese god Sun Wukong from the story Journey to the West. In recent years, modern forms of Hinduism, such as yoga and groups following Krishna, have appeared in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Wuhan, and Harbin.

Sikhism

Manichaeism

Main article: Chinese Manichaeism

Manichaeism came to China in the 7th century, along with Christianity, by land from Central Asia and by sea through southeastern ports. Based on teachings that mixed different cultures, it spread quickly. It was first introduced to China in the year 694, possibly earlier. Manichaean leaders met with Chinese emperors and shared their beliefs.

At first, Chinese leaders saw Manichaeism as a form of Buddhism, but it was later suppressed. It became the official religion of a nearby kingdom, the Uyghur Khaganate, which was an ally of China. This led to a more relaxed attitude toward Manichaeism for a time. However, when the Uyghur kingdom fell, Manichaeism faced persecution in China. Temples were destroyed, books were burned, and many followers were harmed. The religion never fully recovered but continued in hidden ways. It influenced some Chinese folk beliefs and movements.

Zoroastrianism

Main article: Zoroastrianism

Further information: Sogdia

Zoroastrianism came to China in the 4th century, brought by traders from Sogdiana. It developed in three main periods. In early times, it was mainly practiced by foreign traders, not by Chinese people. During the Tang dynasty, Chinese laws did not allow ordinary Chinese to follow Zoroastrianism, so it remained a religion for foreigners.

Later, Iranian Zoroastrians fled to China to escape changes in their homeland. They settled in cities like Chang'an, Luoyang, and Yangzhou. There were many Zoroastrian temples in northern China during this time. Later periods saw more Chinese people adopt parts of Zoroastrian beliefs, mixing them with local traditions.

In the 18th century, merchants from Mumbai brought Zoroastrianism to coastal cities like Macau, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou. Zoroastrian communities were expelled when new leaders came to power in 1949. Some returned in the 1980s.

Japanese Shinto

Between 1931 and 1945, when Japan controlled parts of northeast China known as Manchukuo, many shrines were built there as part of efforts to make the region more like Japan. After World War II, when the area returned to China, these shrines were destroyed.

During this time, many new Japanese religious groups also tried to share their beliefs in the region, setting up many groups focused on different teachings.

New religious movements

New religious movements mix ideas from different religions to create new beliefs and practices, often focusing on hopes for a better future. During China’s later imperial periods, these new movements were an important part of the country’s religious life.

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 encourages this way of thinking. In the past, some religions, like Christianity, faced strong restrictions because leaders worried about outside influences affecting the country. During a time called the Cultural Revolution, many religious buildings were damaged, and religious activities were not allowed.

Chinese culture often focuses on how people should behave toward each other and how to govern well, rather than on beliefs about gods or an afterlife. This has led many Chinese people to live without religious practices. Philosophers in ancient China also questioned ideas about the soul and after-life, saying these were not real.