Lao zi which literally means ‘Old Master’ is one of China’s 4 great philosophers. He is attributed with writing the book Tao de Ching which means the changing virtues of the Tao.

Born Li, Er in the 6th century BCE he was a royal librarian and archivist. When he retired to the Henan Province he dedicated his time to composing his book which would ultimately become one of the founding texts of Taoism.

Here is the library or study where he did his writing. It is symbolicly raised high to be closer to heaven.

Below the library is a temple to Laozi and also a Taiji ball.

Around the ball were pictures carved in the stone representing symbols that are important in Taoism and Taiji.

Everywhere we could see the Tao.

Even in old style script

Interestingly the Japanese bombed the site in 1938. They sent 13 bombs over the wall but not a single one exploded !

The Japanese were so shocked that they ran away! Locals think the site is now even more auspicious.

Many people come here to drink for the healing spring waters.

There is even a column with his writing on which people rubbed themselves against to get healing from joint pains

Many signs gave deep philosophical messages such as this

While I was busy immersing myself in this deep cultural experience Kevin was proving to be quite a celebrity. I lost count of the number of times local ladies asked for photos with him or just wanted to shake his hand!!! We were so far off the tourist track that they don’t see many foreigners here at all.

After lunch it was off to the tomb of Mulan and her parents.

Close by though was an impressive temple dedicated to her

And outside…

Apparently they are farmers and as it was a Saturday they weren’t at work so this was a place for them to hang out.

We finished the day walking the streets of Shengqiu old city and treating ourselves to hawthorn apple treats