Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which religious traditions are practiced in Sichuan province?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Sichuan
Highlands of Sichuan province, China.
Sichuan province is home to a diverse array of religious traditions, reflecting its varied ethnic composition and historical development.
- Han Chinese Traditions: The Han population, which constitutes the majority, typically practices a syncretic blend of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism. These traditions are often practiced without rigid boundaries between them.1
- Tibetan Buddhism: Distributed primarily in the western plateau region, Tibetans follow their own distinct form of Buddhism. Mount Emei, located in Sichuan, is recognized as one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism and is a significant site for the faith.12
- Islam: The Hui people, who are concentrated in the northwestern grasslands and scattered throughout eastern districts, profess Islam.1
- Traditional Beliefs: Some hill peoples residing in the southwestern regions of the province practice traditional, indigenous belief systems.1
While these traditions have historically shaped the region, religious practice in China has been subject to various political and social influences throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, including periods of state-monitored regulation.3