Timeline
c. 550 BC Taoism founded; Tao-Te Ching written by Laozi.
c. 350 BC Chuang-Tzu further develops Taoist philosophy.
c. 150 BC Immortality Taoism develops; Taiping Jing is compiled.
142 CE Zhang Ling founds the sect of the Way of Five Bushels of Rice.
155-220 C Zhang Lu organizes the Way of Five Bushels of Rice into religious communities, which become known as Taoism of Heavenly Masters.
226-249 Wang Bi introduces Taoist concepts into Confucian learning.
251-334 Wei Huacun is the first female leader of the Shangqing c.
320 Ge Hong (283-363) writes The Master Who Has Embraced Simplicity.
365-448 Kou Qianzhi revives Taoism of Heavenly Masters.
456-536 Tao Hongjing develops the Shangqing school.
618-626 Emperor Gaozu builds a great temple at the birthplace of Laozi.
637 Emperor Taizong (r. 626-649) issues an edict ensuring that Taoists take precedence over Buddhists.
691 Empress Wu, a Buddhist, reverses Taizong's policy and builds Buddhist temples.
712-756 Rule of Taoist Emperor Xuanzong. Questions on Taoist texts become a feature of civil service examinations.
768-824 Emperor Han Yu opposes Buddhism.
845 Emperor Wu-zong persecutes Buddhists and all other non-Taoist religions
c. 350 BC Chuang-Tzu further develops Taoist philosophy.
c. 150 BC Immortality Taoism develops; Taiping Jing is compiled.
142 CE Zhang Ling founds the sect of the Way of Five Bushels of Rice.
155-220 C Zhang Lu organizes the Way of Five Bushels of Rice into religious communities, which become known as Taoism of Heavenly Masters.
226-249 Wang Bi introduces Taoist concepts into Confucian learning.
251-334 Wei Huacun is the first female leader of the Shangqing c.
320 Ge Hong (283-363) writes The Master Who Has Embraced Simplicity.
365-448 Kou Qianzhi revives Taoism of Heavenly Masters.
456-536 Tao Hongjing develops the Shangqing school.
618-626 Emperor Gaozu builds a great temple at the birthplace of Laozi.
637 Emperor Taizong (r. 626-649) issues an edict ensuring that Taoists take precedence over Buddhists.
691 Empress Wu, a Buddhist, reverses Taizong's policy and builds Buddhist temples.
712-756 Rule of Taoist Emperor Xuanzong. Questions on Taoist texts become a feature of civil service examinations.
768-824 Emperor Han Yu opposes Buddhism.
845 Emperor Wu-zong persecutes Buddhists and all other non-Taoist religions
Trials and Tribulations
With the support of royal rulers , Taoism gradually developed . During the Ming Dynasty , when national conflicts were happening . The court had little energy and financial support to encourage the spread of this religion . The interior unity of this religion was shaken and conflicts arose. In Qing Dynasty , the Manchu royal family honored Tibetan Buddhism and showed no interest in Taoism. So it eventually lost the support from the upper rulers. Generally, it became a secret religious organization. During the Opium War, this religion further declined through the oppression of imperialism and western culture. Many Taoists lost their focus on religious study. At the founding of People's Republic of China, the land reform movement prompted Taoist organizations to develope the crusade of religious democracy. Chinese Taoist Association was formed .