The introduction of Buddhism to China was a gradual process. By the first century CE, Buddhism had become a major religion in northwestern India and Central Asia. It spread eastward along the Silk Road into China, arriving at its eastern border by the 2nd century CE.
Buddhism had a profound impact on Chinese culture. The influence of Buddhist art on Chinese art can be seen in the early development of Chinese sculpture and painting. The Buddhist belief in reincarnation influenced Chinese views of life after death, while the concept of karma helped to shape the Chinese view of morality.
Buddhism helped to shape the Chinese view of the afterlife. The idea that people are reborn into different lives after death is central to Buddhist doctrine; this belief was then adopted by other major religions such as Taoism and Confucianism.
Buddhism also played a role in the development of Chinese medicine and acupuncture; many acupuncturists today still consider their practice an aspect of Buddhist meditation. Finally, the spread of Buddhism in China was often opposed by the ruling authorities; this led to periods of persecution which sometimes lasted centuries before being reversed by another dynasty or ruler.
