Unlike in many Western countries, religion in China is not a unified, fully defined phenomenon. Instead, it’s a mix of beliefs, cultural practices, and spirituality. 

A melting pot of beliefs

China has never had a dominant religion. Instead, three main waves have developed and coexisted for centuries: Confucianism (儒教), Taoism (道教), and Buddhism (佛教). This coexistence is known as religious syncretism.

For example, many people have long taken part in Taoist rituals, followed Confucian principles in their social life, and practiced the spiritual elements of Buddhism, all at the same time. 

Religion and politics

When the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, the role of religion changed drastically. The Chinese Communist Party is officially atheist and, during the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), many religions were severely repressed – temples were destroyed, clergy persecuted, and religious practices prohibited.

Since the 1980s, however, the government has allowed a certain degree of religious practice under careful state control. So, nowadays, China has five official religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism.

These religious systems are regulated by official associations that answer to the State. Still, some international organizations have expressed concern over the treatment of certain religious groups, including Muslims in Xinjiang and some Christian communities. 

Spirituality vs formal religion 

Although it is estimated that only 10% of Chinese adults formally identify with a religion, spirituality is very present in everyday life and a large part of the population engages in practices such as:

• Visiting temples on New Year's to pray for good luck
• Burning incense for their ancestors (祖先)
• Practicing feng shui (风水)
• Using amulets or Buddhist practices for health or business

In many cases, the Chinese see these rituals as more of a cultural tradition than a religious one.

The current religious situation in China 

In recent years, the economic boom and spiritual void brought about by modernization have led to a renewed interest in religion and spirituality. Young people practice Buddhist rituals, visit their ancestors, and have taken a shine to popular practices such as feng shui.

Ultimately, although China has one of the lowest percentages of citizens formally affiliated with a religion, spirituality actually plays an important role in the lives of many of the country’s inhabitants – of all ages.