Buddhism was known in China in the first century CE. Gradually Buddhism spread in China until Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism formed three parts of a comprehensive Chinese religion.
We can call this combined form of Chinese religion “diffuse religion” because each religious tradition fulfilled a complementary role in society.
Confucianism taught about how to live one’s life properly, maintain good relations, and rule society. Daoism was interested in discerning the natural laws of the universe and applying them to human life. Buddhism was concerned with the afterlife and in morally good behavior to secure a good outcome in that afterlife.
These three religious traditions are often called “The Three Teachings.”