Chan Buddhism, also known as Zen Buddhism, originated in China during the 6th century CE. It is based on the teachings of the Indian monk Bodhidharma, who is considered the first patriarch of Chan Buddhism. Bodhidharma is said to have arrived in China from India around 520 CE and began teaching a new form of Buddhism that focused on meditation and direct experience rather than strict adherence to scriptures and rituals.

The history of Chan Buddhism in China can be divided into three main periods: the early period, the middle period, and the late period.

The early period of Chan Buddhism is marked by the teachings of Bodhidharma and his successors, including Huike, Sengcan, and Daoxin. These early Chan masters emphasized the practice of meditation and the attainment of enlightenment through direct experience rather than intellectual understanding.

In the middle period of Chan Buddhism, the teachings of Bodhidharma were further developed and refined by the Sixth Patriarch, Huineng. Huineng's teachings focused on the concept of "sudden enlightenment," which emphasized that enlightenment can be achieved in an instant rather than through gradual practice.

The late period of Chan Buddhism saw the rise of several influential Chan masters, including Mazu Daoyi, Linji Yixuan, and Huangbo Xiyun. These masters further developed the teachings of Chan Buddhism and emphasized the importance of "koan" practice, a method of using paradoxical statements or questions to help students break through their conceptual thinking and achieve enlightenment.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), Chan Buddhism gained widespread popularity in China and became a major school of Buddhism. However, it was during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) that Chan Buddhism reached its peak, with the establishment of the Five Houses of Chan and the development of various Chan meditation techniques.

In the late 13th century, Chan Buddhism began to decline in China due to political instability and the rise of other Buddhist schools. However, it continued to thrive in Japan, where it is known as Zen Buddhism, and in other countries such as Korea and Vietnam.

Today, Chan Buddhism remains an important school of Buddhism in China, with many temples and monasteries dedicated to its practice. Its emphasis on direct experience and meditation continues to attract followers seeking a more experiential and practical approach to Buddhism.