Taoism began to take hold in China around the fifth century B.C. It is a religion and a philosophy with roots in the teachings of scholar Tsou Yen, who maintained that the universe consisted of yin (earth, female) and yang (heaven, male) energies.

Later, Mo Ti added the idea of universal love, and Yang Chu wove in the importance of living long and without harm. He also spoke of "fine parts"—parts of air that are the essence of life.

During the sixth century B.C., Lao Tzi is credited with having written the Tao-te Ching, which is one of the key texts for Taoism, along with the I-Ching.

These teachers and many others developed the idea of the Tao, which means emptiness, nonaction, or oneness. For Taoists, it is through this emptiness that there is clarity. Embracing Tao is then a way to avoid death. Giving up ambition, desire, and all struggle leads to happiness. This goal can be brought about through meditation, contemplation, diet, and breathing practices.

Taoism shares many ideas with Confucianism, which emerged during the same period. Taoism is linked to certain medical techniques, defensive arts, and practices of charity.

In China, Taoism lost much of its influence after the country became communist in 1949. Today it is practiced primarily in Taiwan.