Religion in China is a question of spirituality
There are three principal religions in China : Taoism, Buddhism, and ancestor worship. The latter is linked to Confucianism, which dominates the country. It's not always easy to understand the difference but I'm going to try to explain them simply. It's up to you, once you are there, to take the time to observe each of these beliefs, for example by going to a temple to see how important they are in Chinese daily life.
Above all, you need to know that believers are not required to belong to one religion to the exclusion of others. So a believer can go to different places of worship without any problems. He can even mix the practices of different religions.
A short tour around religions practiced in China
Five religions have an official status in China : Taoism, ancestor worship, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. Any others who want to make themselves known should beware. Among them is Falun Gong, a belief based in animism, which is more and more repressed.
Religious movements are strictly controlled in the country. You are not allowed to practice a religion that is not "legal". In this regard, travelers are often astonished to see religious groups demonstrating on the streets of Hong Kong.
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Religious buildings, such as temples, are found more or less everywhere in the country. You can go there to pray and find out more about some very deeply rooted ways of thinking. Buddhism and Taoism each have 185 million followers, but Confucianism has 932 million! The figures show the enormous influence Confucius has in Asia.
But his influence isn't just religious, it's a question of spirituality, how to live your everyday life and not just about following rules. If I dared, I could compare his influence to that of Plato in the west. This Chinese philosopher is thus the founder of a doctrine that is both moral and social. At the time, he wanted to cure intellectual decadence.
When evening falls, everyone goes to the temple to burn incense. The Chinese honor their ancestors and pray for a better life. If you are used to this sort of ritual you could join them, it would be an interesting experience.
On the path of the French missionaries in China
Following the traces of the French presence in a foreign country has a nostalgic charm for French people. Near Lancang river, in Cizhong, in Yunnan province, there are some ruins that were built by a French missionary in the middle of the 19th century. It's a very familiar looking Catholic church. It was burned during the anti-foreign movement in 1905 and then rebuilt during the 20s. Visitors are astonished to see Tibetan faithful there.
