The history of Buddhism in China is a complex story of importation, assimilation and transformation of a foreign religion. Buddhism reached China from India by the first century but did not flourish until the Six Dynasties Period (220 BC -- 89 AD) when political and economic turmoil encouraged its full acceptance. Under these conditions, the religion's emphasis on personal salvation and renunciation of worldly ties, coupled with monk-sponsored welfare projects, attracted devotees from several social strata.
Buddhism sometimes prospered under imperial patronage; however, its foreign origin led other rulers to sponsor major persecution. The faith survived these periodic challenges and continues to flourish today. According to Chinese historians, Mahayana Buddhism--the most prominent branch in China--played a key role in shaping Chinese civilization and the latter also had a profound impact on the manner in which Buddhism was transformed in China. Buddhism's influence grew to such an extent that vast amounts of financial and human resources were expended on creation and establishment of impressive works of art and elaborate shrines.
