Religion

Most people in Song China followed Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism. Confucianism taught people to respect their families, teachers, and leaders. Buddhism taught kindness, calm thinking, and how to deal with suffering. Daoism focused on living in balance with nature. Many people followed more than one belief at the same time.

Very few people followed a religion with only one god. However, some Muslim merchants traveled long distances to trade in Song China. These merchants believed in one God and brought their own religious traditions with them. They lived mostly in trading cities and ports and were allowed to practice their faith.

This shows how Song China was open to new ideas and people from far away, even though most Chinese beliefs were different from religions that worship one god.