What is the religious breakdown of China?

National surveys conducted in the early 21st century estimated that some 80\% of the population of China, which is more than a billion people, practice some kind of Chinese folk religion; 13–16\% are Buddhists; 10\% are Taoist; 2.53\% are Christians; and 0.83\% are Muslims.

What are the three main religion in China?

Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are considered the “three pillars” of ancient Chinese society. As philosophies and religions, they not only influenced spirituality, but also government, science, the arts, and social structure.

What was the first religion in China?

Taoism (“Tao Jiao,” Religious Taoism) is an indigenous religion of China and is traditionally traced to the composition of the Tao Te Ching or to the founding of the Way of the Celestial Masters by Zhang Daoling, although some Taoist schools trace their origin much earlier.

Can you practice religion in China?

The Constitution of the Republic of China provides for freedom of religion, and the authorities generally respect this right in practice. Authorities at all levels protect this right in full, and do not tolerate its abuse, either by official or private actors. There is no state religion.

What are the two main religions in China?

An official Chinese government statement recognizes five major religions practiced in China—Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism—as well as many folk beliefs. Most ethnic Tibetans practice a distinct form of Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism.

Is there a Shiva temple in China?

This Shiva temple in China was named after a Mongolian king of that period, called Segasai Khan in the Tamil portion of the inscription and the temple was named “Khaneeswaram,” after him, he said. That Chinese Shiva temple was consecrated by Thava Chakravarthi, a Tamil monk.

What is the dominant religion in China today?

No religion has ever assumed a dominant position in China. Foreign religions, influenced by time-honored Chinese Culture and tradition, have gradually become fixtures with distinctive Chinese characteristics. The four major religions in China (Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, and Christianity) each have a long history of influence.

Is China a secular or religious country?

First, China has always been secular. It has been considered the least religious country since antiquity. Confucius himself advocates rationalism first and foremost, which naturally reduces religious influence. With that out of the way, let’s go over the two biggest religions in China. 1. Chinese religions

What is happening to China’s religious institutions?

As religious observance in China grows, the Chinese Communist Party continues to toughen oversight, increase religious persecution, and attempt to coopt state-sanctioned religious organizations.

How is freedom of religion regulated in China?

Freedom and Regulation. Chinese public security officials monitor both registered and unregistered religious groups to prevent activities that “ disrupt public order, impair the health of citizens or interfere with the educational system of the State,” as stipulated by the Chinese constitution.