While Chinese contacts with Buddhism appear to extend as far back as 138 BCE, it wasn't until 67 CE that Buddhism made its first official appearance in China. By the year 148, Buddhism had taken sufficient root that Buddhist texts were being translated into Chinese. Even so, it was having fairly little impact in Chinese life. This was, in part, because it differed from Confucianism which was the then dominant philosophy of China under the Hans.
With the collapse of the Han Dynasty, circumstances changed. Confucianism became less of a concern as it lost the support of existing leaders, especially in northern China. By the time of the Sixteen Kingdom period, Buddhism had gained enough traction as to have the support of a number of rulers. And with or without ruler support, it spread throughout the peasant population of China.
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