Huichang Persecution of Buddhism under Emperor Wuzong of Tang

Timeline

1. 845Chang'an · ShaanxiWuzong decreed limits on monks and nuns nationwide: large monasteries to keep ten, small ones three to five, the rest forced to return to lay life; all monasteries were surveyed and any violating ones demolished.
2. 845Luoyang · HenanLocal authorities, acting on the edict, demolished over 4,600 monasteries, confiscated bronze ware and farmland, and 260,000 monks and nuns returned to lay life, dealing an unprecedented blow to Buddhism.
3. 845–846Chang'an · ShaanxiThe persecution order was fully carried out in autumn of Huichang 5; Wuzong died the following year and, after Xuanzong succeeded, Buddhism gradually recovered, though Tang Buddhism never regained its former height and Chan and other schools became dominant.