Religion
The main religions of China are Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and Taoism, along with Shamanism, Eastern Orthodox Christianity and the Dongba religion.
Buddhism
Introduced to China in about the first century A.D. from India. Over 13,000 Buddhist temples exist in China today as well as several branches of the religion, including Tibetan Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. Buddhism is generally practiced by Han Chinese.
Islam
Introduced around the mid-seventh century, rapid growth occurred during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The Hui, Uygur, Kazak, Kirgiz, Tatar, Ozbek, Tajik, Dongxiang, Salar and Bonan ethnicities follow Islam.
Christianity
Catholicism reached China after the seventh century and Protestantism in the early 19th century. In China today there are over 4,600 Catholic churches, 12,000 Protestant churches, and over 25,000 other types of Christian worship. Christianity is practiced by Han Chinese.
Taoism
Taoism likely devloped into a religion around the second century. The philosophy of Lao Zi is the foundation of the religion. Today, China has over 1,500 Taoist temples. Han Chinese are the dominant practicers of Taoism.
National Religious Organizations
Buddhist Association of China
Taoist Association of China
Islamic Association of China
Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association
Chinese Catholic Bishops' College
Three-Self Patriotic Movement Committee of the Protestant Churches of China
China Christian Council
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