Hindu Population in China: ~20,000 (Likely Undercounted)

The 2010 Chinese census recorded 20,060 Hindus in mainland China. However, this is almost certainly an undercount due to:

Undercount Factors

• Self-identification: Census relies on voluntary declaration; minority religions may underreport
• Definition issues: "Hindu" category may not capture syncretic practitioners, yoga adherents, ISKCON followers, or ethnic Indians identifying culturally not religiously
• Migrant workers: Indian expatriates (IT, business, students) on temporary visas may not be counted
• Regional restrictions: Religious practice regulated; only five state-sanctioned "patriotic religious associations" (Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism)

Actual Estimates

• Indian diaspora: ~50,000–100,000 Indian citizens/residents in China (pre-COVID)
• Hindu practitioners: Likely 30,000–50,000+ including expats, Tibetan Hindus (small), Chinese converts (Yoga/ISKCON)
• Hong Kong: ~40,000 Hindus (separate SAR census)

Practice Context

• No Hindu temples recognized in mainland China
• Worship in homes, cultural centers, embassy compounds
• Yoga widely practiced but often secularized
• Diwali/Holi celebrated privately or in expat communities

Religious data in China requires cautious interpretation. The 20,060 figure is a census floor, not a population ceiling.