Daoism as a religion began as early as the Xia Dynasty (circa 2000-1500 B.C.) with roots in Shamanism, worshipping the forces of nature. It wasn't until the Spring and Autumn Era (770-221 B.C.) that Daoism developed into a philosophy, largely attributed to the Grand Master Lao Zi (circa 604-531 B.C.).
Emei Mountain, located in the modern-day Sichuan province, is one of many
mountains in the western region of China associated with Daoism. It was said
that the Daoist influence prospered in the region when Lao Zi passed the region
in his famous journey to the West on an ox. Daoists within the area began their
pursuit for The Way forming various schools based on beliefs and practices and
ultimately formed the "Shu Mountain Alliance" consisting of Mount Emei, Mount
Kun Lun, and Mount Hua along with Qing Cheng. "Shu" was the ancient name of the
province where these mountains were located.The Shu Mountains had many myths and legends attributed to them because of the distinctive mountain arrangements, scenic peaks, and unique climate. Emei is one of them that was said to have deities pass on Daoist secrets to mere mortals. Another formidable character was the great strategist Zhuge Liang from the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280 A.D.) who was a famous Daoist sorcerer.
During the Tang Dynasty (581-617 A.D.), Buddhism was taken in by the imperial family and revered as the "national religion". A majority of Emei's Daoist temples and monasteries were lost to the Buddhist faith and eventually, Mount Emei developed to become one of China's four holy mountains of the Buddhist faith. Many of the Daoists of Emei took in the teachings of Chan Buddhism and integrated Buddhist principles into their views.
It wasn't until the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 A.D.), that Daoism experienced a renaissance from the "All Encompassing Truth" sect (Chuan Zhen Jiao). Chuan Zhen avoided the mystical aspects of Daoism, approaching The Way with a philosophical perspective and embraced Confucian principles popular with the Song emperors. This revival of Daoism brought back some major schools that was part of the Shu Mountain Alliance. Although Emei did not entirely transition back to Daoism, it regained some of their following and awareness.