Since 1990, research on the history of modern Buddhism in China has been popular. As an important part of modern Buddhist history, the history of layman has also received extensive attention from Chinese and foreign academic circles. This article will review the research achievements of Chinese and foreign academic scholars on the laymen’s history in modern China in the past three decades from three major sections: Buddhist studies of lay Buddhists, lay Buddhist organizations and social activities, and laymen’s religious belief and identity. I look forward to providing some reviews and references for future academic research on the history of modern laypeople.
