Abstract:

Since the 19^th century, with the maturation of Western Sinology, traditional Chinese folk beliefs have been no longer dismissed as mere “superstition” but regarded as objective subjects of academic inquiry. Over the past century, as research deepened, overseas scholars have increasingly recognized that folk beliefs, as an organic element of traditional Chinese society, played a vital role in the historical process of socio-cultural integration in China. Multifaceted and multidisciplinary investigations beyond Western religious frameworks have been conducted. Recent years have witnessed the emergence of novel research topics of and innovative approaches to Chinese folk beliefs, demonstrating vigorous scholarly momentum. Such academic achievements also hold referential value for understanding civilizational diversity.

Key words: sinology, traditional China, folk beliefs, cultural integration, civilizational diversity