Religion in Chinese Culture

Taoism is a form of religion indigenous to China.

Buddhism was introduced to China during the Han Dynasty, and since then it has become part of Chinese culture through constant interaction with Chinese culture, and is known as Chinese Buddhism.

Confucianism is not a pure form of religion, but it has a high level of sophistication that religion does not have. Traditional Chinese culture is dominated by Confucianism, and religious beliefs are dominated by ancestral beliefs. Historically, some Han Chinese believed in Taoism and Buddhism; later, Catholicism and Christianity were introduced to China, and some people began to believe in these religions. For thousands of years, Confucianism, which advocates a benevolence-centered approach and emphasizes ethical education, and which was formed by the thought systems of Confucius and Mencius, has had a profound influence on the Han Chinese. There are also a variety of other indigenous Chinese and local beliefs, such as the belief in Guan Gong, the belief in Mazu, the belief in the King of the Three Mountains, the belief in loyalty represented by the cult of King Yue, and so on. Sacrifices to the ancestor Xuanyuan Huangdi and the Confucius Festival are representative activities with the color of faith.