Chinese Zen Buddhism, known as Chan Buddhism, is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and direct experience. It originated in China during the Tang dynasty and focuses on achieving enlightenment through mindfulness and the practice of zazen, or seated meditation. Zen teachings often highlight the importance of intuition over theoretical knowledge, encouraging practitioners to realize their true nature. Key figures in its development include Bodhidharma, who is traditionally credited with bringing Zen to China, and various Chinese masters who shaped its practices and philosophies over the centuries.