Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the tissue covering the head of the penis. It’s a common practice in many cultures around the world, often done for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. But when it comes to China, circumcision practices can vary greatly depending on region, ethnicity, and other factors.
Circumcision Not Common Historically
Throughout most of China’s history, circumcision was not a mainstream practice. Unlike in the West or in the Islamic world, it was not done routinely for religious or cultural reasons. The origins of circumcision in China can be traced back over 2,000 years to the Xin Dynasty (9-23 CE), when it was occasionally practiced for medical purposes. However, it remained rare until the introduction of Islam in the 7th century and Western influence in the 19th century.
There are a few exceptions within Chinese culture. Circumcision was practiced among the Muslim Hui and Uyghur ethnic minorities, who followed Islamic custom. It also had some tradition among the Jewish Kaifeng community. But overall, Han Chinese did not practice routine infant circumcision, and most Chinese men were uncircumcised.
Modern Practices Vary by Region
Today, circumcision rates remain relatively low in mainland China, with an estimated 2-5% of the total male population circumcised. However, practices can differ depending on where you are in China:
- In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, circumcision is now more common, closer to 10-15%.
- In southern coastal regions like Guangdong, circumcision rates are higher, up to 20% in some areas.
- In western and inland provinces like Sichuan and Yunnan, it is still rare, with less than 2% circumcised.
- Among Chinese minorities like the Hui and Uyghurs, circumcision rates remain high, over 90% in some groups.
So in general, circumcision appears to be more common in urban and cosmopolitan parts of coastal China, and among Chinese minorities, while less common in rural inland regions and among the Han majority.
Key Factors Driving Circumcision in China
There are several key factors that help explain the geography of circumcision practices in present-day China:
- Islam – Circumcision is near universal among Chinese Muslims, especially Hui, Uyghurs, and other groups.
- Globalization – Increased connections with the West and global medical trends have influenced practices in cosmopolitan cities.
- Healthcare access – Circumcision is more available in advanced urban hospitals than in rural areas.
- Hygiene beliefs – Some Chinese todaybelieve circumcision is healthier and more hygienic.
So while historical and cultural factors kept circumcision rare in China, modern beliefs and access are changing the norms in some regions today.
Circumcision Often Performed in Infancy or Childhood
In China today, circumcision is usually performed in infancy or early childhood, rather than in adolescence or adulthood as in some cultures. The majority are done for perceived health or hygiene benefits, though family tradition or religion can be factors as well. The procedure is increasingly available in hospitals, though some rural families still rely on traditional healers.
Pain control is not always used during infant circumcision in China, though it is becoming more common. The practice remains controversial in global medical circles. The risks and benefits are still debated, though research suggests potential health advantages like reducing UTIs and HIV transmission.
Adult Circumcision Remains Uncommon
Circumcision in adulthood is relatively rare in China. Most men who are uncircumcised stay that way. Adult circumcision may be done for specific medical needs like repeated infections. There is also some demand from uncircumcised men who learn about perceived sexual or hygienic benefits. But most adult men do not undergo the procedure.
This contrasts with the growing popularity of adult circumcision in some African regions like Kenya, where it is actively promoted for HIV prevention. The practice remains stigmatized in China and is seen as unnecessary by most uncircumcised men. So adult transitions remain uncommon.
Cultural Perceptions are Evolving
Historically, Chinese culture attached little significance or meaning to circumcision status. But perceptions are slowly evolving with China’s increasing global connectivity. While still not a mainstream view, some now believe that:
- Circumcision is fashionable, sophisticated, or modern.
- Uncircumcised men are unsophisticated or old-fashioned.
- Circumcised men are smarter, higher class, better lovers.
However, these stereotypes are not universally accepted. Many still consider circumcision unnecessary or strange. Discrimination is rare, as practices vary so much by region and background. But the cultural meanings of circumcision continue to shift as globalization progresses.
No National Policy on Circumcision
Unlike some African nations, China has no national policy either encouraging or discouraging circumcision. There are no special public health campaigns. Some provincial or city health bureaus have promoted circumcision at times as medically beneficial, but it’s not a unified national effort. The choice is left up to families and individuals.
This contrasts with massive nationwide promotion in places like Kenya. But within the diverse mosaic of China, a single national circumcision policy would not be appropriate or accepted. Beliefs remain mixed, so the government takes a hands-off approach.
Legality of Circumcision
Circumcision is legal in China, for both children and consenting adults. There are no laws prohibiting it or restricting it to certain ages. Some provinces have age of consent rules, often requiring parental consent for minors. But in general, it is a legal option for families or individuals to consider.
Some opponents have argued that routine infant circumcision violates a child’s human rights, as they cannot consent. But laws protecting children from harm generally do not apply to circumcision. There are no signs of China banning the practice, though regulation may increase in the future.
Access to Circumcision Services
Access to safe circumcision varies greatly across China. In major cities, the procedure is readily available in hospitals for those who want it. Standards are high and complications are rare when performed by urologists or surgeons. But in rural areas, options may be limited.
Traditional circumcisers are still used in parts of western China, with more risk of complications. Poor families may rely on them due to cost. So while urban Chinese can easily access circumcision, it remains out of reach for some rural groups. Improving rural access could make the procedure safer.
Cost of Circumcision
Circumcision costs vary across China depending on the provider:
- In hospitals, infant circumcision typically costs 1500-2500 yuan ($200-$350 USD).
- For adults, hospital circumcision costs 4000-8000 yuan ($550-$1100 USD).
- Rural traditional circumcisers charge several hundred yuan but with higher risk.
While not extremely expensive, costs can deter poorer families from hospital circumcision. Insurance coverage is limited, though some urban plans cover the procedure. Making circumcision more affordable could enable safer procedures for all.
Sex and Relationships
A man’s circumcision status rarely poses major issues in relationships or sexual intimacy in China. Most women do not have a strong preference either way. Uncircumcised men do not face extensive ridicule or stigma.
However, one study did find that some educated urban Chinese women prefer circumcised men as more modern and hygienic. And uncircumcised men may feel self-conscious about perceptions in locker rooms. But in general, circumcision status is not a significant barrier for Chinese men in sexual or romantic contexts.
Health and Hygiene
The most common reason families choose circumcision in China is the belief that it is healthier and more hygienic. Research does suggest some potential health benefits:
- Lower UTI risk in infants
- Greatly reduced HIV risk for heterosexual men
- Lower penile cancer risk
- Elimination of phimosis (tight foreskin)
However, good hygiene can help prevent most issues in uncircumcised males as well. Circumcision does not provide complete protection from sexually transmitted infections. The risks and benefits remain complex and debated.
Religious Factors
For Muslims and Jews in China, circumcision is done for religious reasons:
- Islam – Circumcision is universally practiced by Muslims for spiritual cleanliness.
- Judaism – Jewish law commands circumcision as a mark of the covenant with God.
For other Chinese, spirituality is generally not a factor. But religion profoundly shapes the traditions of some minority groups.
Circumcision in Chinese Culture Summary
In summary, while historically rare in China, circumcision is increasingly practiced today, especially in urban areas, among minorities, and for perceived health benefits. But rates remain low in inland rural regions. Adult circumcision is uncommon. There is no national policy, and the choice is up to families and individuals. Cultural perceptions are shifting but vary. While the practices evolve, circumcision likely remains a minority preference among most Han Chinese men.
Conclusion
Circumcision practices in China are complex, differing by region, ethnicity, and social factors. While not as universally accepted as in some cultures, circumcision appears to be gaining ground in modern urban centers and among minorities. Drivers include globalization, health beliefs, religion, and access. Still, a majority of men across much of China remain uncircumcised. As a personal choice without strong stigma, circumcision status has little bearing on most Chinese men’s lives. China’s diversity means circumcision norms will keep evolving in different directions across regions rather than converging.