To what extent did the religion, ethnicities, and languages of the China region change because of its exposure to other cultures
By Bryce_N
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In ancient times, there were several *Ethnicities (ethnic groups), languages, and religions in China. The first ethnicity was the *Shang Dynasty (Family that ruled China) and they spoke *Sinitic (language). One of their religious beliefs used *Shamanism (Belief that wise Sherman's have power to heal the sick and communicate with spirits and ancestors) and another belief involved *Ancestor Worship (belief that spirits of the dead can roam and talk). -
In ancient times there was one main culture that changed China’s culture. *Buddhism (a type of Han Chinese) appeared in China around 150 C.E., during the *Han dynasty (*Indigenous people who ruled China around that time). Buddhism spread to China from Buddhist monks that were from India. To help the Chinese people understand Buddhism, Buddhist monks used ideas from *Daoism (a way of thinking). Since Chinese people were taught Buddhism, they became more peaceful which freed them from suffering. -
*Muslims (followers of *Islam) appeared in China between 618-1279 A.D., during the *Tang and Song dynasties. The religion Islam spread to China through trade on the *Silk Road (Trade route), trading sugar, salt, textiles, spices, slaves, gold, and horses. Islam spread quickly throughout China because of their exposure to many paths on the Silk Road. As a result of Islam boosting the economy, China advanced in society. -
During the 13th C.E. the *Mongols (An ethnic group) *Invaded (attacked) China. During the Mongols rule the emperor reopened trade routes to build on the economy of China. These ethnic people also established a new Dynasty called the *Yuan dynasty. The Mongols also expanded the Chinese border and changed the government to where the Chinese people don't have as much rights. -
In present times there are several ethnicities, languages, and religions in China. Some of the ethnic people in China are Mongols (17% of the ethnic society is Mongols). The common languages that are used in China is *Mandarin (A type of Han Chinese) and *Cantonese (language from Guangzhou city). The main Chinese religion is Buddhism and some are Islam (2.85% which is around 40 million). A lot of people in China are Buddhist because the Chinese people want to let go of their selfish desires.