"Where Laozi spoke the Dao De Jing and 5,000 hermits still practice in mountain caves"
Zhongnan-shan
Chang'an District, Shaanxi, China
The Zhongnan Mountains rise south of Xi'an, forming the central section of the Qinling range. For over two thousand years, this landscape has drawn those seeking withdrawal from the world: Taoist and Buddhist monks, solitary hermits, imperial patrons, and modern seekers. An estimated 5,000 or more hermits continue to live in caves and simple shelters throughout the mountains, making Zhongnan the largest surviving hermit community on earth.
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Quick Facts
Location
Chang'an District, Shaanxi, China
Coordinates
33.9333, 109.0167
Last Updated
Mar 29, 2026
Learn More
Zhongnan Shan's sacred history spans more than two millennia, from the legendary teaching of Laozi through the founding of Quanzhen Taoism to the living hermit tradition documented in modern times.
Origin Story
The foundational narrative places Laozi at Louguantai, composing the Dao De Jing for the border guardian Yin Xi before departing westward from China. Yin Xi had seen a purple cloud approaching from the east and recognized it as the sign of a sage's approach. He asked the old philosopher to record his wisdom before leaving. Laozi composed the 5,000 characters that became the most influential Taoist text, then passed through the gate and was never seen again. The purple cloud became a Taoist symbol of spiritual attainment.
Key Figures
Laozi
Legendary founder of Taoism, said to have composed the Dao De Jing at Louguantai before departing westward
Yin Xi
Border guardian who recognized Laozi's approach and asked him to record his wisdom
Wang Chongyang
Founder of Quanzhen Taoism (1113-1170), who practiced in a Zhongnan mountain cave before establishing the most significant reform movement in Taoist history
The Seven Perfected (Qizhen)
Wang Chongyang's seven disciples who spread the Quanzhen school across northern China
Bill Porter (Red Pine)
American author whose 1989 book 'Road to Heaven' documented the living hermit tradition and brought it to international attention
Spiritual Lineage
Louguantai represents the origin of Taoist philosophy. The Quanzhen school, founded in the Zhongnan Mountains, became the dominant form of Taoism in northern China. The Buddhist temples connect to multiple Chinese Buddhist traditions including Chan and Pure Land. The hermit tradition draws from all these lineages while belonging to none exclusively.
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