Confucianism is more of a philosophy than a religion, but it encourages the worship of ancestors, and Confucian figures are worshipped themselves.
Alongside Confucianism is Daoism, a more spiritual philosophy/religion that emphasizes the harmony of humans with nature. Daoism also originates from ancient China. Its founder, Lao-tze, and other major figures of the religion are worshipped.
Lastly is Buddhism. Originating from ancient India, Buddhism spread to ancient China during the 200s B.C.E. Buddhism has a large pantheon of gods, many of whom are worshipped in Taiwan.
Han Chinese religion is practiced through building, visiting and worshipping at temples. Temples are built in the traditional Chinese architectural style. They normally feature a walled courtyard with a large, central gate. The courtyard within can be lined with smaller buildings housing temple staff, areas for worship or statues for minor deities. The center of the courtyard often features altars for incense, tables for offerings or other structures/items related to worship. In the middle of the temple grounds is normally the main worship hall. This hall will usually be the largest structure, and will house a number of altars and statues of gods for worship. At the center back is usually a display for the main god worshipped at the temple.
The architecture of temples probably closely matches the ideas we Americans have about “ancient China.” The courtyards are made of stone, while the buildings are made of wood topped with stone tiles.
