Mount Qingcheng

Overview

Mount Qingcheng is one of the most important birthplaces of Taoism, where in 142 CE the celestial master Zhang Daoling established the Way of the Celestial Masters — the first organized Taoist religious community.

Cradle of Taoism

In 142 CE, Zhang Daoling received a revelation from Laozi on Mount Qingcheng and established the Way of the Celestial Masters (Tianshi Dao), the first institutional Taoist religion. This event marked the beginning of organized Taoism as a religious tradition.

The mountain's name, 'Qingcheng' (Green City), reflects its lush, forested slopes that have changed little since ancient times. The front mountain contains historic Taoist temples, while the back mountain offers pristine wilderness.