History and Background
Evidence of Hindu influence on China existed very early on, when anchient Chinese traditions shared many similarities to the belief of Vedic Hinduism in that both had a large pantheon of gods and both based themselves on nature. It is also said that the Chinese belief of Taoism later on was influenced by Hinduism, though this has not been not proven. Other influences by Hinduism on Chinese religion included the belief of "six schools" or "six doctrines" as well as use of Yoga and the martial arts (which was said to be based on anchient Hindu warriors). Even so, in China, Hinduism has never gained much popularity, unlike the beliefs of Buddhism and Confucianism, as most believers of Hinduism are centered around India, the United States, as well as the United Kingdom. However, there is a minority of believers, mostly situated in Southestern China which was once colonized by the Hindus very early on.
Hinduism in China faced more obstacles during the rise of Communism in China where the Chinese Communist government discouraged any practice of religion, as it was considered anti-socialist as well as a symbol of feudalism and foreign colonialsim. During the Communist Cultural Revolution, in a movement from 1966 to 1977, anyone who was caught practicing their religion was persecuted. It is also noted that during this time many religious buildings and services were closed down and replaced with non religous buildings for more materialistic services. However, from 1977 onwards the government eased their restrictions on religion as the Constitution of the Peoples Republic of China was signed and many of the Chinese were allowed to practice their religions and personal beliefs once again. Even so, the government is still very suspicous of other religious activities, specifically if it involves foreign nations.