yes missionaries are very active in smaller cities, and contrary to popular belief chistianity is not banned here

I wish Xtianity was banned here.... But still China at least is a bastion for people who don't want to listen to them... I once heard a couple of Jehovah's witnesses talking to about 8 Chinese at a table in Subway after 15 minutes I thought I was going to puke, so I just turned around with my phone took some photos of the guys and said "I recorded everything you've been saying on my phone and I have your picture, if you don't shut up and leave now I'm calling the PSB" the shock and horror on their face... Priceless, I would turn them in just for kicks to... They hauled ass out of there!!

Jebus, save me from your followers!

Chinese authorities bust "underground" churches all the time. Beijing feels like it has to dig its fingers into every aspect of Chinese life, even religion, and those little officials throw tantrums when people attend their own religious services rather than going to a state approved institution.

Maybe it's the one policy I support here!

I though Christianity was in decline every where.
Then again, it's true that the Church tends to target poor people in third world countries as they are easier victims. If Christianity is on the rise here I hope they include common sense into their brain washing process.

To honest it's a scary thought. I really hope that religiously China stays the way it is.

Just that people understand one fact about religion in China.

Whatever religion you worship (Christianity, buddhism, islam), you must know that the religious "leaders" are chosen by the Communist Party and not by a proper religious council.

For instance for Catholics, they are actually two Chinese archbishops : one is recognized by the Catholic Church and the Pope, but not by the Chinese government, the other one is recognized by the Chinese government, but not by the Catholic Church.

I am therefore not sure that if you decide to baptize your child in China according to Christian beliefs, it would be recognize by the Christian Church outside of China. It could be important, if in the future, you want to have a Christian wedding, but the Church fails to recognize you as a Christian because you were baptized by a non-recognized archbishop or church.

Saying that, it is then difficult to be sure about any rise of Christians in China, as who is going to judge who is effectively a true Christian and a "fake" Christian.

It's not banned or anything, but just like anything else in China, officials try to regulate it as much as they can. I've heard that Christianity is rapidly growing in the underground church.

Yes I think it is.. I was asked and went to church. The sermon, even tho I did not undersatnd the words, had the same effect that it would have at home. it put me to sleep.
I believe that there should be more reforms in the service. It was so hot and humid in the church. Food and cold beverage vendors should be working the crowd. This would generate revenue. The hymms from the 12th century have to go, they were probably hit songs back then. Alternative music, maybe even some disco dance tunes should be played to be modern and entertaining. I think this is why services at home have declined, no entertainmnet. And maybe some pyrotecnics to go with the sermon. This would sure keep you awake and paying attention. The church has to think modern, not middle ages.
Then for the home TV religious services, I think it would be good if people were encouraged to stick their hands in the back of the TV and " Feel the power of the Lord." Amen

There is the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Society, the Protestant Patriotic Society (or something like that) and the Muslim Chinese Brotherhood (Patriotic) Society.  All are "administered" by functionaries in the central administration.

The Vatican and Beijing have been doing a little dance together these days in that Beijing makes a new archbishop for the Catholic Church, without the Vatican's permission, the Pope screams, and then eventually through backdoor channels, that Archbishop somehow, somehow "receives" the blessing of the Pope. At present in China, there are less than 10 Bishops who have not now been "approved" by Rome.  The only Catholic seminary for the entire country is in Beijing.

As the Protestant Churches do not need to turn to anyone in Europe for authorization, their pastors are all trained a government-sponsored seminary in Beijing.

I know nothing about the procedures for the immans in this country except that my Muslim friends have told me that they are also all state sponsored.