The Chinese divide their own history into dynasties which can last for hundred of years. For this general overview, the following dynastic periods are listed with the developments that are relevant to this study of Chinese religions:

Ancient Period: Shang Dynasty (ca. 1200 – 1059 BCE) and Chou Dynasty (1059 – 249 BCE)

• The Five Classics of Chinese Thought
• Analects of Confucius 551- 479 BCE
• Mencius 371-289 BCE
• The Laozi 500 – 300 BCE, dates uncertain

Development: Han Dynasty (202 BCE-220 CE) through Sung Dynasty (960-1279 CE)

• Zhuxi (1130-1200), founder of Neo-Confucianism.
• T’ien T’ai Buddhism
• Chan (Zen) Buddhism
• Pure Land Buddhism
• Neo-Confucian and Daoist religious and philosophic development

Toward the Modern Era: Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE) and Ching Dynasty (1644-1911)

• Cooperation and Competition between “Three Religions” in China: Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism.

Modern Era

• 1911 End of last dynasty and rejection of Confucianism as state ideology
• 1946-1979: Mao Zedong and Communist Party take control of China.
• 1966-1976: Cultural Revolution
• 1990-2010: Restoration of Daoist, Confucian, and Buddhist sacred sites, rituals, teachings, and influence.