Religion in Jinjiang
Many religions have co-existed in harmony in Jinjiang for hundreds of years.
The four major religions are: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Taoism.
Taosim is the oldest religion in Jinjiang. The traces of Hermits and Taoists here date back to the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC). The first Taoist temple in Jinjiang was set up during the Jin Dynasty (266-420). There is one Taoist temple and more than 200 professional Taoists in Jinjiang.
Buddhism was introduced into Jinjiang during the Jin Dynasty, grew significantly during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and peaked during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). A lot of Buddhist temples and stone pagodas were built during that time. There are now 76 registered Buddhist temples, with 71 monks and nuns and 228 lay Buddhists in Jinjiang.
Islam was spread to Jinjiang during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) due to flourishing trade and cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world. Islam, Buddhism and Taoism continued to grow during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), when more religions including Manicheanism, Christianity, Catholicism and Hinduism began to appear in Jinjiang.
It is worth mentioning that the powerful Ding clan in Chendai town are of the Hui ethnic group. Their ancestors relocated from Central China during the Yuan Dynasty.
There are currently 18 registered Christian churches with over 3,300 Christians, and a mosque with more than 430 Muslims in Jinjiang.
