Buddha from Western China, ca. 450 AD Buddhism first came to China from India around 500 AD, spreading through Central Asia along the Silk Road. A Buddhist artist carved this wooden Buddha in Western China, on the Silk Road, before Buddhism really reached central China.

Since the ancient times, China has seen the rise of many diverse cultures and religions that have given a unique character to the social fabric of the country. Buddhism originated in India and then spread to China.