Periods in Chinese Religion

• Early Period. From pre-history to the sixth century BC. Bronze Age vessels, decorated with animals and dragons, reveal evidence of traditional ancestor-worship.This laid the ground for Confucianism.
• Classical Period. From Confucius (551-479 BC) to the advent of Buddhism.
• Post-Buddhist period. From the first century A.D. to the Neo-Confucian revival.
• Late period. From the start of the Sung Dynasty (960 AD) until the impact of the west in the nineteenth century.
• Modern Period.