Since immemorial time, China has always been a mystery in the eyes of Westerners. This is especially so with regard to Freemasonry. Masonic scholars are already rare anywhere in the world and Masonic scholars in China are virtually non-existent.

This paper traces how Freemasonry was introduced into Imperial China by various Constitutions in the Quig Dynasty, how it developed at the time and how it survived two World Wars and the political changes in China.

It is fascinating to see how the Grand Lodge of China was constituted in Shanghai, and then moved to Taiwan, how Freemasonry developed in Macau, how Freemasonry flourished in Hong Kong and finally how Hong Kong has become not only the Masonic hub of the Far East, but also the Masonic pillar in the People’s Republic of China under the “One Country Two Systems” principle.

Since immemorial time, China has always been a mystery in the eyes of Westerners. This is especially so with regard to Freemasonry. Masonic scholars are already rare anywhere in the world and Masonic scholars in China are virtually non-existent.

This paper traces how Freemasonry was introduced into Imperial China by various Constitutions in the Quig Dynasty, how it developed at the time and how it survived two World Wars and the political changes in China.

It is fascinating to see how the Grand Lodge of China was constituted in Shanghai, and then moved to Taiwan, how Freemasonry developed in Macau, how Freemasonry flourished in Hong Kong and finally how Hong Kong has become not only the Masonic hub of the Far East, but also the Masonic pillar in the People’s Republic of China under the “One Country Two Systems” principle.

The disintegration of the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc of countries, the reunification of East and West Germany and the opening up for former communist countries, including People’s Republic of China, has led to a re-establishment of Freemasonry is no longer a secret of these countries, thereby leading the people of these countries from complete darkness into full Masonic light.

More people from China are traveling abroad for education, business and leisure and more foreigners, including Hong Kong Masons, are traveling to China for similar reasons.
This, coupled with the open policy advocated by the Masonic Authorities, means that Freemasonry is no longer a secret and the urge to re-establish Freemasonry in Mainland China is accordingly felt by those people still in darkness.

Co-operation between Masonic Constitutions and the Central Government in the People’s Republic of China will help us to arrive at a mutually acceptable superstructure. The bright morning star that is the Pearl of the Orient, Hong Kong, can be used as a springboard and bridgehead to finally allow Masonic light to shine once more in the Chinese Mainland. This is the obvious challenge ahead for all Masons.