Ancient roots

Long before the arrival of the great organized religions, the indigenous peoples of southern China practiced animistic beliefs. Each natural element - mountains, rivers, trees - was inhabited by a spiritual entity, venerated as protective or feared as evil. Ethnic minorities such as the Zhuang, Miao, Dong or Yao practiced complex shamanic rituals to appease the spirits or invoke their protection. These practices included sacred dances, animal sacrifices and ancient chants, often passed down orally through the generations to the present day.

Taoism

Taoism, often considered the only "true" Chinese religion, is based on a profound philosophy that originates in the teachings of Laozi, or Lao Tzu (570-490 BC), a legendary figure whose ideas have endured for centuries. This current of thought is distinguished by its quest for harmony between man and the universe. Lao Tzu, more mystical than Confucius, left behind the famous Dao de jing or "Book of the Way and Virtue", a collection of philosophical reflections of unparalleled richness. Unlike Confucianism, which is oriented towards rigorous social structuring, Taoism invites us to flee the hustle and bustle of the world and embrace inner freedom and connection with natural forces. The concept of wu wei, or "non-action", illustrates this balance. Far from advocating inaction, this is a form of harmonious efficiency, where the individual acts in perfect symbiosis with natural cycles. This principle, complemented by that of yin and yang, still influences popular practices such as feng shui, meditation and tai chi.

Confucianism

Confucianism, more than just a school of thought, has been a fundamental pillar of Chinese civilization for two millennia. Rather than a religion, it is a moral and political system rooted in the quest for a harmonious social order. Far from being a religious prophet, Confucius was originally a scholar with a passion for human relations. His ideal of the honest man is based on a set of values embodied by the seven essential virtues: Zhong, loyalty to oneself and others; Shu, altruism; Ren, perfect humanity; Yi, fairness; Li, respect for rituals; Zhi, insight; and finally Xin, righteousness.

Centered on filial piety, respect for rites and social hierarchy, Confucianism continues to inspire family relations and funeral practices. Ancestor worship, based on these values, remains a cornerstone of daily life in southern China.
In families, altars dedicated to ancestors are adorned with photos, incense sticks and food offerings. During festivals, descendants gather to honor the memory of their predecessors, reinforcing intergenerational ties and respect for tradition. In short, Confucianism embodies much more than a corpus of precepts: it is the mirror of a society where respect for ancestors, collective discipline and social harmony form a timeless and evolving foundation.

Buddhism

Buddhism was introduced to China from the 3rd century, during the Hans dynasty, via two main routes. Firstly, via the Silk Road, where Indian traders and monks brought this philosophy. Then, from the 4th century onwards, through maritime trade between India, Southeast Asia and the ports of southern China. This intellectual and spiritual contribution took root particularly in southern China, where monasteries such as Nanhua, in Guangdong, became symbols of the rise of Chan Buddhism, also known as Zen. This trend favors meditation and direct intuition over scripture. These monasteries were not just religious sanctuaries, but true centers of cultural and intellectual influence. Monks translated sutras and taught Buddhist philosophy, as well as a variety of disciplines such as the natural sciences and martial arts.

As Buddhism took root in China, it underwent a profound transformation through syncretism with Taoist and Confucian beliefs, already firmly rooted in the country.
Two major Buddhist paths emerged: Mahayana, or "Great Vehicle" Buddhism, predominant in China and other East Asian countries, emphasizes mutual aid and collective salvation, symbolized by the Bodhisattvas, beings who renounce their own enlightenment to guide others. In contrast, Theravada, or "small vehicle", emphasizes an individual quest for liberation.
Chinese Buddhist monasteries also play an important social role, welcoming travellers, treating the sick and offering refuge to orphans. Vegetarianism, advocated by the doctrine of respect for all living beings, is gaining in popularity, and many temples offer vegetarian canteens.

Religious syncretism

Religious syncretism in China is a fascinating phenomenon, the result of centuries of interaction between the country's three great spiritual traditions: Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. In many temples, Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian statues coexist. For example, devotees may pray to Guanyin, a Buddhist bodhisattva, while offering incense according to Taoist rites, and reading Confucian maxims on filial piety.

The cult of Mazu (also known as Tin Hau in Hong Kong), goddess of the sea, perfectly embodies this synthesis. Worshipped in coastal regions, she is associated with maritime protection, integrating Taoist elements, such as rituals for spirits, and Buddhist elements, such as mercy. Its temples, adorned with colorful frescoes, attract pilgrims mixing Buddhist chanting, Taoist offerings and Confucian tributes to ancestors.
In villages, family rituals often combine Buddhist prayers, Taoist offerings and Confucian gestures to honor ancestors, notably at weddings, funerals or festivals such as Chinese New Year.

Islam and Catholicism

Islam penetrated China as early as the VIIᵉ century, with the arrival of Arab and Persian merchants along the Silk Road. In the south, the main Muslim ethnic group, the Hui, is concentrated in provinces such as Yunnan. Tradition attributes the construction of China's first mosque, in Fujian, to Saad ibn Abi Waqqas, a companion of the Prophet Mohammed. Today, historic mosques such as the one in Quanzhou bear witness to this ancient presence. These often modest buildings are essential gathering places for China's Muslim community, whose population estimates vary from 20 to 50 million, depending on the source.

Catholicism, meanwhile, took root in China in the XVIᵉ century with the arrival of Jesuit missionaries. Matteo Ricci, the emblematic figure of this mission, played a key role in introducing the Catholic faith to the imperial court in Beijing while respecting local customs. However, the position of Catholics remained delicate. Two Churches coexist: the official Patriotic Church, under government control, and the underground Church, which remains faithful to Rome. This duality is at the heart of tensions between the Vatican and Beijing. Discussions, notably on the appointment of bishops, have so far failed to resolve this dispute, making an official papal visit to mainland China impossible. Macau, a former Portuguese colony, is a striking example of China's Catholic heritage. The territory abounds in historic churches, such as the famous ruins of Sao Paulo, remnants of a 17thᵉ century cathedral, or the church of Sao Lorenzo, a symbol of Baroque architecture. These buildings are not only religious sites, but also living testimonies to the encounter between Western and Chinese cultures.

Popular beliefs

Feng shui, the art of harmonizing spaces, remains a living practice, influencing the construction and orientation of homes, buildings and cities. Entrepreneurs still consult feng shui experts before launching major projects, convinced of its impact on success.

Numerology also plays an important role. For example, the number 8, symbolizing prosperity, is prized, while 4, homophone of "death", is avoided. In Hong Kong, buildings often exclude floors 4 or 14: in Cantonese, sei3("four") sounds like sei2("to die") and sap sei ("fourteen") sounds like sat sei ("to die for sure"). These beliefs influence telephone numbers, license plates and even the choice of dates, especially for weddings, to attract luck and happiness.

Spiritsuperstitions are deeply rooted. Paper offerings, such as fictitious banknotes or miniature objects (house, shoes), are essential at funerals. Relatives spread these objects on the way from home to the grave to meet the needs of the deceased in the afterlife, reflecting a deep respect for ancestors and a desire for harmony between the living and the dead. Other rites complement these practices, such as food donations to ensure that the dead do not go hungry. On full moons, families burn paper replicas of clothes or Bank of Hell bills in front of their homes, to honor the deceased and attract luck and prosperity for themselves.

Southern China offers a fascinating spiritual panorama, blending ancestral traditions with modern influences. Far from being static, these religious practices and popular beliefs continue to shape daily life and enrich the region's cultural identity.