Sacred sites of China

Sacred sites of China are religious destinations found in China. Generally speaking, religions in China do not demand exclusivity, so most Chinese follow a mix of different religions such as Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Chinese folk religion. There are also numerous religions practised by China's ethnic minorities, such as indigenous religions, Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

Chinese folk religion
Many Chinese and people of Chinese descent around the world observe a mix of traditions taken from many religions and cultures over many centuries, and can collectively be termed 'Chinese folk religion'. Even those who claim not to observe any religion at all will likely follow some form of tradition that belongs to this.

Five Great Mountains
Mountains are an important part of Chinese geomancy, and there are many mountains which have religious significance in Chinese Buddhism and Taoism. These mountains often serve as a popular backdrop in Chinese period dramas, and have traditionally been associated with various Chinese martial arts sects. Today, these mountains continue to house many Taoist and Buddhist temples, and continue to serve as scenic backdrops that attract many domestic tourists.

The Five Great Mountains (五岳) are associated with the five cardinal directions in Chinese geomancy, and are believed to have originated from the body of Pangu (盘古), the creator of the world in Chinese mythology.

Confucianism
Confucianism was the state philosophy of governance from the Han Dynasty all the way up till the Qing Dynasty. In the Imperial Examination system, which was started in the Sui Dynasty and greatly expanded in the Tang Dynasty, candidates were tested on their knowledge of the Confucian classics. To this day, Confucianism continues to strongly influence Chinese social etiquette, as well as that of neighbouring Vietnam, Korea and Japan.



Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism
Although there are many sacred mountains in Chinese folk religion, the Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism (四大道教名山), together with the Five Great Mountains are considered to be the holiest among them. These continue to be scenic spots that feature prominent Taoist temples.



Other sacred mountains

 * Maoshan Mountains（茅山).In jiangsu Province
 * Maoshan Mountains（茅山).In jiangsu Province
 * Maoshan Mountains（茅山).In jiangsu Province
 * Maoshan Mountains（茅山).In jiangsu Province
 * Maoshan Mountains（茅山).In jiangsu Province
 * Maoshan Mountains（茅山).In jiangsu Province

Quanzhen School
The Quanzhen School is one of the most influential schools of Taoism, and was founded by Wang Chongyang, an ethnic Han living under the Jurchen Jin Dynasty. It plays a very prominent role in Chinese popular culture, having featured (albeit with fictional accounts) in numerous Chinese novels and television serials.



Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism
The Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism (四大佛教名山) are traditionally associated with four different Bodhisattvas, who are revered in Chinese Buddhism. To this day, these mountains continue to be scenic spots with prominent Buddhist temples.



Islam
Islam has a long history in China, with the largest Muslim group being the Chinese-speaking Hui people. Islam is also the dominant religion among many of the ethnic minorities in western China, including the Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Uzbeks and Tatars.
 * The is the largest mosque in China, and built in a traditional Chinese architectural style. Today, it remains the main centre of worship for the Hui people living in the city.
 * in Kashgar is the main centre of worship in this Uyghur-majority city, built in a mostly Central Asian architectural style.
 * in Turpan is an Uyghur mosque known for its distinctive mud minaret.