Legends say Zhongli Quan was no ordinary man. He was one of the Eight Immortals of Daoism. He is a figure deeply embedded in Chinese religion. Let’s delve into the story of Zhongli Quan and his connection to this place.
Zhongli Quan, also known as Han Zhongli, lived during the Han dynasty. Some say his birth was marked by bright lights filling the room. He didn’t cry for seven days. Some say he cried for seven years. This child was special. He had a broad forehead and thick ears. Long eyebrows and deep eyes marked him. A red nose, square mouth, high cheeks, and scarlet lips completed his unique look.
At just seven days or years old, depending on the telling, he spoke. His first words were a proclamation. He said, “My feet have wandered in the purple palace of the immortals. My name is recorded in the capital of the Jade Emperor.”
Following his father’s path, Zhongli became a general. He led armies of the Han dynasty. One fateful battle against Tibet led to defeat. Zhongli fled into the mountains. There, an old man guided him to a spiritual sanctuary. He learned immortal rituals and alchemy. After three intense days, he was sent to serve the people. The old man and his home vanished when Zhongli turned back.
Zhongli used his powers to help others. He created silver and gold coins from stones. His magical fan aided in this. He saved people from poverty and famine.
There are two versions of how Zhongli became an immortal. One says his constant use of immortal powers led him to the shimmering cloud. The other says a wall in his hermitage collapsed during meditation. Behind it was a jade vessel. This vessel carried him to immortality.
In Taoism, Zhongli Quan is Zhengyang Zushi. This translates to True-Yang Ancestor-Master. He is also called Master of the Cloud-Chamber. This name comes from his encounter with Lü Dongbin before becoming immortal.
Zhongli is usually depicted with a bare chest and belly. He often holds a feather or horse hair fan. Wisps of hair adorn his temples. His beard reaches his navel. He is known for his pleasant nature and love of wine. Zhongli Quan is often painted or drawn enjoying a drink. Silversmiths venerate him as their patron.
Even in modern times, Zhongli appears. In the television show Jackie Chan Adventures, Zhongli sealed away Xiao Fung. Xiao Fung was the Wind Demon. He was initially thought to have sealed away Dai Gui. Dai Gui was the Earth Demon.
So, remember Zhongli Quan. He is the wine-drinking recluse in quest of immortality. See him as a potbellied, bearded old man holding a fan. Sometimes he is a military man with knowledge of alchemy. His story echoes through time here at Zhongli.