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Religion in China

Religion in China
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Religion in China. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
The Shakyamuni Buddha Tooth is displayed at the Wei Mountain Temple in Rosemead, California, on February 17, 2026. Buddhist relics like these are revered by followers of Buddhism, providing connections to the Buddha and other revered monks. Photo: AP
Religion

What are Buddhist relics? The bones and teeth with great power for followers

Buddhist relics are seen as living, active sources of blessings imbued with supernatural qualities, but authenticity can be an issue.

Art

Hong Kong’s women tattoo artists who draw on Chinese culture to ink differently

Shaolin Temple

‘CEO monk’ scandal: China creates new oversight body for Buddhist clergy

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Shaolin Temple

China’s scandal-hit Shaolin Temple urged to draw line between business, religion

Provincial Communist Party boss on impromptu visit calls on temple’s new leadership to protect reputation and return to ‘true teachings’.

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Former Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin has been accused of misappropriation and embezzlement of funds and violating celibacy vows, among over misdeeds. Photo: Getty Images
China’s Communist Party

Panchen Lama says reincarnation must follow Chinese laws, be endorsed by Beijing

Second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism makes apparent reference to succession of exiled spiritual leader Dalai Lama.

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Religion

On This Day | The pope visits Hong Kong for 3 hours in 1970 – SCMP archive

Fifty-five years ago on December 4, 1970, throngs of Hongkongers greeted Pope Paul VI during his historic three-hour trip.

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Mainland China

Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin closer to prosecution over money scandals

Famed ‘CEO monk’ of kung fu cradle was removed in July over allegations including embezzlement and ‘seriously violating’ Buddhist principles.

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Shi Yongxin (centre) earned the nickname of “CEO monk” for turning Shaolin temple into a multibillion-dollar global brand. Photo: Getty Images
Lessons from China's history

Reflections | How ancient Chinese sects have foretold Rapture-like divine ends for millennia

Christian groups prophesise paradisiacal new beginnings today, but similar visions existed throughout imperial Chinese history.

China’s Communist Party

Religion must align with law for ethnic and social harmony in China, Xi says

During a Politburo study session, Xi Jinping says Beijing must ‘implement strict law enforcement’ regarding religion.

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Chinese culture

How China’s earliest 3 dynasties shaped its society and culture

From 2070BC to 256BC, the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties paved the way for Chinese society with Taoism, written language, music and more.

A Chinese oracle bone from the Shang dynasty (1600BC-1046BC) at Hong Kong’s Chinese Culture Festival 2025. Inscriptions on these bones are the most ancient form of written Chinese ever found. Photo: Nora Tam
China-Vatican relations

Editorial | Cardinal’s meeting with Pope a good sign for Sino-Vatican relations

Hong Kong’s Catholic church has traditionally played a role in bridging the Vatican and the mainland, and it should continue to contribute in this way.

Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong (right) speaks with Pope Leo XIV on September 2 at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. Both held an in-depth exchange on the situation of the Church in China. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong politics

Pope Leo XIV pledges commitment to Beijing-Vatican ties: Hong Kong cardinal

Cardinal Stephen Chow reveals details after meeting the new pope for ‘an in-depth exchange on the situation of the church in China’.

Lessons from China's history

Reflections | Shaolin Temple scandal would have led to far harsher reactions in China’s past

The resolution of the temple’s recent shameful episode is much more civilised than the violent purges of Buddhism in China’s history.

Shaolin Temple

After Shaolin Temple scandal, China’s Buddhists urged to obey law and pay taxes

Buddhist regulator calls on believers to be patriotic as it doubles down on condemnation of famous temple’s disgraced former abbot.

Former Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin, known as the “CEO monk”, is facing a criminal investigation over accusations that he embezzled project funds and temple assets. Photo: Getty
Religion

Shaolin’s ‘CEO monk’ scandal may prompt overhaul of how temples are run in China

While long-time abbot Shi Yongxin faces criminal investigation it’s business as usual at the temple, but it could be a turning point.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Legacy of war in Asia

Letters | Nanking massacre film speaks to the resilience of ordinary Chinese

Readers discuss a reckoning with the second world war, and a Buddhist monk’s downfall.

Corruption in China

Editorial | Investigation into Shaolin Temple’s ‘CEO monk’ a chance to clear the air

The probe is an opportunity to review the temple’s management and ensure the brand is promoted without compromising what makes it special.

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Crime in China

China’s Shaolin Temple gets new abbot after scandal fells Shi Yongxin

White Horse Temple abbot Shi Yinle will replace Shaolin head who is under investigation for alleged financial and sexual misconduct.

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Abbot of Henan’s White Horse temple Shi Yin Le has been appointed the new abbot of Shaolin temple, according to a statement released by the Buddhist sanctuary on Tuesday.Photo: Baidu
Corruption in China

Disgraced head of China’s famed Shaolin Temple defrocked, firms deregistered

Swift move to erase institutional footprint of ‘CEO monk’ follows revelation of criminal charges for offences including embezzling funds and temple assets.

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Corruption in China

Abbot of China’s world-famous Shaolin Temple under criminal investigation

Temple accuses Shi Yongxin of embezzling project funds and temple assets, seriously violating Buddhist precepts and of sexual misconduct.

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Trending in China

Public outrage as China monk berates elderly couple for ‘too small’ rice donation

Buddhist monk accused of ‘worshipping money’ after throwing bag of rice out of temple hall, telling pair not to return for prayers.

A monk at a sacred temple in China has sparked public outrage after he berated an elderly couple for giving a donation of rice that he considered “too small”. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
Tibet

Beijing says Dalai Lama’s succession plan breaks tradition, tensions set to rise

Beijing’s foreign ministry responds to the exiled spiritual leader who says his office has sole authority to recognise next Dalai Lama.

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The Dalai Lama at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamshala, India, on Monday. Photo: AP
China’s Communist Party

Chinese religious groups warned of ‘hidden danger’ from foreign infiltration

United Front chief Li Ganjie’s message to faith groups follows Xi Jinping’s call to ‘Sinicise’ religion in meeting with Tibet’s Panchen Lama.

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China’s Communist Party

China warns against separatism ahead of Dalai Lama’s expected succession decree

During inspection tour, Chen Wenqing says political and legal bodies must fully understand Qinghai’s unique geopolitical position.

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China-EU relations

In human rights talks, EU warns of ‘deterioration’ of basic freedoms in China

Brussels cites ‘interference’ in Dalai Lama succession plan and jailed Uygur and Tibetan activists as examples of erosion of freedoms.

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The Dalai Lama (centre) arrives at a temple in Dharamsala, India on March 14 to deliver a sermon. The EU has called for the Tibetan spiritual leader’s successor to be selected without “government interference”. Photo: AP
Hong Kong politics

Beijing-Vatican ties built under pope must be maintained: Hong Kong cardinal

Cardinal Stephen Chow says there is a ‘formal need for meeting on a regular basis to talk about progress’.

St Peter’s Square in the Vatican City is packed with people for the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26. Photo: EPA-EFE
History

Recap | China’s religious history features many faiths and a cult that started a war

Traditional Asian beliefs and Abrahamic religions have existed in China for centuries, columnist Wee Kek Koon looks at their impact.

Hong Kong society

Pope Francis cared deeply for ‘church in China’, Hong Kong mourners hear

About 1,000 people flocked to Hong Kong’s main Catholic cathedral for late pope’s requiem mass, including former leaders and current officials.

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