Christianity in China has a long history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when the Nestorian Christian Church was established. Over the centuries, various denominations, including Catholicism and Protestantism, have gained followers, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Christianity is one of the fastest-growing religions in China, despite government restrictions on religious practices. The Chinese government officially recognizes five religions, including Christianity, but regulates their activities through state-sanctioned organizations like the Three-Self Patriotic Movement for Protestants and the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association for Catholics. Many Christians worship in unregistered "house churches," which operate outside government oversight, reflecting a vibrant underground faith community.