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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.
St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, regarded as the heart of Catholicism. File photo: Reuters
Religion

My Take | Churches must ensure that complaints of sexual abuse are taken seriously

As the city prepares for a sex crime legislation overhaul, every community sector should work to ensure that people are free from harassment.

Luxury Hotels

Review | Where Chinese tea culture and Aman luxury steep together

Hong Kong society

Board backs proposal to give temple, mosque highest level of heritage protection

My Life

Meet the Reverend Will Newman, chaplain of Hong Kong’s St John’s Cathedral and Stanley Prison

From India to Hong Kong, Reverend Will Newman’s journey from missionary child to prison chaplain is a fascinating tale of faith, family and service.

The Reverend Will Newman, chaplain of Hong Kong’s St John’s Cathedral and priest-in-charge of St Stephen’s Chapel, in Hong Kong's Stanley district. Photo: Alexander Mak
Trending in China

Video game-loving China monk says hobby and religion have similar life purposes

Buddhist brother says engaging with others in ‘violent’ and ‘bloody’ online game is like playing chess; only worries he may become addicted.

China’s Communist Party

China must ‘strengthen education’ of Tibetan Buddhists, Beijing official says

On inspection tour, Li Ganjie urges local authorities to promote new ‘unity’ law to ethnic minority groups.

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Two Sessions 2026

China codifies ethnic assimilation with new ‘unity’ law as it counters the West

Legal safeguards heed Xi Jinping’s call to foster ‘shared spiritual home’ with an eye on staving off ‘domestic friction’, analysts say.

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Ethnic minority delegates leave a plenary session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. 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

These artists channel elements of Chinese painting, calligraphy and Buddhism through their needles in a new form of ‘poetic expression’.

Shaolin Temple

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

Beijing’s fourth-ranking official Wang Huning urges association to exercise ‘comprehensive and rigorous governance over the religion’.

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Shi Zhengci, the abbot of Wuzu Temple in Huangmei county, Hubei province, is the Buddhist Association of China’s new chairman of the board of supervisors. Photo: Handout
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.

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.

In Christianity, the Rapture refers to Jesus’ return to Earth to guide his followers to heaven before the apocalypse. Photo: TNS
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.

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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.

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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The purge relating to Shi Yongxin, head of the Shaolin Temple in China’s Henan province since 1999, follows a public notice that has stunned millions of Buddhists and martial arts fans worldwide. Photo: Getty Images
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.

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