What is the most common religion in China?

China is known for its rich cultural history, and its religious practices are no exception. While China is a secular state and does not have an official religion, the country has a diverse mix of religious beliefs that have coexisted for centuries. According to a survey conducted in 2014 by the Chinese Spiritual Life Survey, around 73.56% of the Chinese population do not have any religious affiliation.

Among the religions in China, the most widespread are Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Buddhism, which originated in India, arrived in China in the 1st century AD and became the most influential religion in the country. Today, around 16.56% of the Chinese population are Buddhist. Taoism, which also originated in China, is another popular religion in the country, and around 7.85% of the population follow this belief system. Confucianism, which is more of a philosophy than a religion, has had a significant impact on Chinese culture, and around 0.73% of the population still follow this belief system.

Aside from these three religions, Christianity and Islam have also gained followers in China. There are an estimated 23 million Christians in China, making up around 1.8% of the population. Islam, which has been present in China since the 7th century, has around 22 million followers in the country, making up around 1.6% of the population. Other religions in China include Hinduism, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism, although these are practiced by very few people in the country.

While China's government has a complicated relationship with religion and has implemented restrictions on some religious practices, the country's people continue to practice a diverse array of beliefs and traditions that are an integral part of their cultural heritage.