Throughout history, China has been the home and destination of many religious and philosophical traditions. Confucianism and Taoism, in addition to Buddhism, are the so-called "three doctrines" or teachings, which have played an important role in shaping Chinese culture.The elements of these three belief systems are incorporated into the traditional Chinese religion, that is, worship devoted to local gods and ancestors; this has always been - and continues to be - the religion of the majority of the population, family-oriented and not requiring exclusive adherence, which allows the practice or expression of personal beliefs of different faiths at the same time.Some scholars prefer not to use the term "religion" in reference to Chinese belief systems, suggesting instead that it be "cultural practices", "systems of thought" and philosophies as their most appropriate definition. While Confucianism in its religious aspect corresponds to the traditional religion of worship of local gods and ancestors, Taoism has developed as an ecclesiastical movement distinct from the common religion since the 1st or 2nd century. Buddhism was introduced in the 1st century and grew to have a strong impact in China, which it still preserves today.Today's Chinese state officially recognizes five religions, managed through centralized institutions: Buddhism, Taoism, Protestantism, Catholicism, and Islam. Traditional religion in all its forms, even if not centralized at the bureaucratic level, enjoys freedom. According to statistics 70% of Chinese people practiced traditional religion, including 13% who practiced traditional cults in a Taoist doctrinal or ritual framework or popular religions influenced by Taoism, while those who identified themselves only as initiated "Taoists" were 0,8% (the term "Taoist" in China is traditionally reserved only for Taoist priests or those who undertake direct discipleship under their leadership, and is not traditionally extended to the multitude of lay followers). The adherents to Buddhism were 14%, and of these the formally initiated Buddhists formed 1.3%. Christians were 2.4%, of whom 2.2% were Protestants and 0.2% were Catholics. Muslims were 1.7%. The remaining 13% of the population was not religious (they were atheist, agnostic or had not declared any preference). Confucianism as a religious designation is popular among intellectuals, although there are various popular movements of Confucian origin.