Since around the 1970s, the United States has published numerous collections of translated Chinese Chan poetry and single volumes of poems by Chan hermit poets, gradually forming a prominent feature and a sub-field of translation poetry in introducing Chinese classical poetry into the US. Chan poetry translation can be classified as literature, poetry, or religious text. The author intends to trace and sort out the historical context of the formation of the field of Chan poetry translation in the United States from three aspects: religion, literature, and poetry. Ultimately, the formation and establishment of Chan poetry translation stem from the historical interaction and fusion of religion, literature, and translation.