China Religions

China is a multi-religious country. The main Chinese religious believers believe in Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Christianity. Freedom of belief is one policy made by Chinese government, and normal religious activities are protected by the constitution. Citizens of China may freely choose and express their beliefs and clear their religious identities.

☆ Buddhism
Buddhism in China refers to the various schools of Buddhism that have flourished all over China and proper since the ancient times. Many of these schools integrated the ideas of Confucianism, Taoism and other indigenous philosophical systems, so that was initially a foreign religion that came to be a natural part of Chinese civilization and it albeit with a unique character. Buddhism had played a significant role in shaping the mindset of the Chinese people, and affecting their aesthetics, politics, literature, philosophy and medicine. Chinese Buddhism had produced numerous spiritual masters at the peak of the Tang Dynasty's vitality.

☆ Taoism (Daoism)
Taoism (Daoism) refers to a variety of related topics, such as philosophical and religious traditions and concepts that have influenced East Asia for over two millennia and the West for over two centuries. The word Tao (or Dao), means "path" or "way", although in Chinese folk religion and philosophy it has been taken on more abstract meanings. The propriety and ethics Tao emphasize on the compassion, moderation, and humility. Taoist thought generally focuses on nature, men-cosmos correspondence, health, longevity, wu wei (action t
hrough inaction), liberty, and spontaneity.

☆ Islam
Islam in China has a rich heritage. Historically there has been little persecution of Islam. But there have been serious 'Muslim' rebellions in the North-West in the last century which was responsible for untold loss of life, though the issues at stake were national autonomy rather than religion. China has some of the oldest Muslim history, dating back to as early as 650, when the uncle of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, was sent as an official envoy to Emperor Gaozong during Caliph Uthman's era. Throughout the history of Islam in China, Chinese Muslims have influenced the course of Chinese history.

☆ Catholicism
Catholicism in China was called Tianzhujiao (Lord of Heaven Religion) with a long and complicated history. Christianity had existed in China in various forms since at least the Tang Dynasty in the eighth century A.D. In other words, Christianity in China was seen for a full account of the history of Christianity in China up to contemporary times.

☆ Christianity
Christianity in China is a growing minority religion that comprises Protestants (Christ Religion), Catholics (Lord of Heaven Religion), and a small number of Orthodox Christians. Although its lineage in China is not as ancient as beliefs of other religions, it has existed in China since at least the seventh century and has gained influence over the past 200 years. Reports of sporadic persecution against such Christians in Mainland China have caused concern among outside observers.