49.Religion
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Culture
Religion
Buddhism
Buddhism has been part of Chinese culture
since ancient times. Over the millennia it Chinese Buddhism absorbed
ideas from Confucianism and Taoism. Today there are an estimated 660
million to 1 billion Buddhists in China but it is difficult to determine
exactly because many do not belong to registered congregations. Many
people practice both Buddhism and Taoism.
Taoism
For over 5,000 years in China, the
philosophy and religion of Taoism (or Daoism) has shaped Chinese culture
and forms the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Over time Taoism
has absorbed the ancient cultural elements of yin and yang, Feng Shui
(used to improve energy flow in interior design) and I Ching (the
Chinese zodiac).
Christianity
Christianity has existed in China since
the 7th century, and today is a growing minority religion including
Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox Christians. China loosened religious
restrictions in the 1970s and now Chinese citizens over 18 are allowed
to participate in official Christian meetings. There are also
unregistered house church meetings.
Islam
Islam came to China in the 7th century as
a result of trade between China and the Middle East along the Silk
Road. Today, of China’s 56 officially recognized minority groups, 10 are
predominantly Muslim. Many of the Moslems in China live in areas that
border Central Asia, Tibet and Mongolia.
Temples
Within the city and in the area
surrounding Beijing exist a wealth of historic and often spectacular
temples. Some temples are Buddhist, others Taoist, Confucian or
Tibetan. The most famous are the Temple of Heaven and the Lama Temple,
but there are hundreds scattered throughout the city.
Mosques
The largest and most famous of the 80
mosques in Beijing is the Niujie (Ox Street) Mosque in Xuanwu District.
After centuries of architectural adaptation the mosque now looks similar
to a temple.
Cathedrals
The oldest existing cathedral in Beijing
is the Southern Cathedral (Nantang) in Xicheng District which was built
on the ruins of the original cathedral from 1652. Catholic churches are
officially independent from the Roman Catholic Church.
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