Religion in Taiwan

Taiwan religion practices are popular for its tradition of accepting foreign religious ideas and at the same time honoring traditional beliefs.
The same land with varied religious beliefs is rare to find. Taiwan is one such land. The traditional religions include Buddhism, Taoism and folk beliefs. Taoism has originated from China, while Buddhism has originated basically from India. Though Taoism and Buddhism are worshiped in different ways in Taiwan, during the Japanese invasion Taoists were persecuted as a result they secretly started to worship their deities in Buddhists temples. After World War II when Taiwan came under the administration of China, both the religions blended and the Taiwanese worshipped the Taoists, Buddhist and folk deities together in the Buddhist temples.

Christianity was imported into Taiwan in the early 17th century by Spanish and the Dutch Missionaries. Numerous other religions find prominent places among the Taiwanese such as Bahanism, Islam, Tienlichiao (Japanese religion) and some more.


A wide diversity of religions are noticed due to its multicultural history and the provision of religious freedom. Almost 24% of the population follows Buddhism and 20% of Taiwan's population follows Taoism. The next popular religion followed in Taiwan is Yi Guan Dao, Protestantism, Catholicism and Lord of Universe Church. All the religions count upto thirteen registered religions in Taiwan.

Taiwan is actually the melting pot of diverse religions. It's difficult to point out the name of one single religious practice from the varied directory of Taiwan religion. The country is known for the tolerance it displays to different religious beliefs co-existing peacefully on mainland areas.

To know more about Taiwan religion click on the following links:

• Buddhism
• Taoism
• Christian