The Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties period (220-584 CE) was a politically turbulent time. The interaction and blending of new cultural elements, especially the widespread influence of the Buddhism in both northern and southern regions, profoundly impacted the development of Taoism.
This research will examine the interaction between Taoist beliefs and the social lives of people within southern regimes between 300 and 500 CE from a multi-dimensional perspective. It analyzes how Taoism and social practices influenced each other and explores the development of Taoism through its emergence, dissemination, and transformation, including related social organizations, concepts, and behaviors. It aims to redefine the social reality of the time through the lens of Taoist history.
This study will integrate historical texts with archaeological findings. First, it will extensively use Taoist literature, connecting it to social life to provide insights into the relationship between Taoist rules and social behaviors. Additionally, it will analyze historical records, anecdotal literature, and literary works to explore people's views on social, moral, and ritual behaviors. Finally, it will utilize archaeological materials, like tomb epitaphs and murals, to reveal how Taoist beliefs influenced daily life and social values.