The History of Lingzhi in Ancient China

In ancient China, the cultural concept of "Lingzhi" has evolved from the biological entity of Lingzhi to a cultural concept that transcends its mere biological attributes. This concept not only highlights Lingzhi’s natural characteristics but places greater emphasis on its social significance. As a humanistic creation born from the interaction between humans and nature, it seeks to capture the essence or spiritual likeness of Lingzhi rather than its literal physical resemblance.

Yongcheng Zhitian

The Yongcheng Zhitian, located in the mythical realm of Yongcheng, is said to be the highest peak among the nine layers of Mount Kunlun—known as Xuanpu—and is also called Yujing. It serves as the seat of the Queen Mother of the West and is home to countless immortals. Within this celestial paradise lies a Zhitian cultivated by immortals themselves, where approximately 12,000 varieties of lingzhi mushrooms grow, providing sustenance for the immortals. The illustration depicted here portrays an enchanting scene: immortal beings using dragons to plow the land and plant lingzhi mushrooms.

"The Thief of the Immortal Mountain"

Legend has it that after getting drunk, the snake spirit Bai Niangzi revealed her true serpent form, terrifying Xu Xian to death. At great personal risk, Bai Niangzi ventured to Mount Kunlun to steal the immortal herb—Lingzhi—to save Xu Xian. This painting depicts Bai Niangzi’s fierce battle with the celestial crane boy on Mount Kunlun, where she narrowly escaped certain death and finally managed to obtain the Lingzhi herb, enabling Xu Xian to be brought back from the brink of death.

Yanhuang Bestows Zhi

In ancient times, Emperor Yan and Emperor Huang were revered as the progenitors of the Chinese nation and outstanding contributors to the Huaxia civilization. Emperor Yan, also known as Shennong, was the founder of China’s agricultural culture. Legend has it that Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs, authored the “Shennong’s Materia Medica,” and taught people how to use food and medicine to treat illnesses. Emperor Huang, also known as Xuanyuan, made numerous inventions, such as teaching people how to cook food thoroughly and how to make clothing and headdresses. Guided by the “Yin Fu Jing,” he governed the country and strengthened its people, ensuring that the populace lived in peace and prosperity. Ancient texts such as the “Lu Shi” record that Shennong received ginseng from Chisongzi on Mount Kunlun, while Xuanyuan received ginseng from Guangchengzi on Mount Kongtong. The sculpture was designed and created based on these historical accounts.

The Longevity Star Peng Zu

The birthday celebrant, surnamed Qian and named Keng, also known as Pengzu, the Old Longevity Star, and the Immortal of the South Pole, is a well-known figure in Chinese folklore as an epitome of health and longevity. By nature, he loved tranquility, had a kind heart, was unattached to fame and fortune, and pursued simplicity. When King Yin offered him the position of minister, he flatly refused. He often consumed herbs such as lingzhi; legend has it that even at the age of 760, his face remained youthful and his spirit radiant. He carried a gourd containing precious medicinal elixirs with him, ready for those who were sick or disabled to take.

During the Warring States period—the time of the State of Jin—Ge Hong proposed a Daoist theory that immortality could be attained through diligent practice. This theory significantly narrowed the gap between the celestial realm, long admired by mortals, and the mortal world. Ge Hong argued that as long as one mastered the art of refining the body, one could remain youthful forever and eventually achieve immortality through sustained cultivation. In Daoist scriptures and contemporary folk tales, numerous stories emerged about people who attained immortality after consuming Lingzhi mushrooms. Indeed, from that time onward, the medicinal value of Lingzhi began to be widely recognized by the people. Among these stories, the most iconic involves Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who, after unifying the six states, sent Xu Fu—a Daoist alchemist well-versed in astronomy and geography—to the Eastern Sea’s Yingzhou Island, accompanied by 3,000 pairs of young boys and girls, along with many seeds and tools, in search of elixir herbs for achieving eternal life. Today, Japan still preserves markers indicating where Xu Fu first landed, and has erected a temple dedicated to him. Every 50 years, the island holds grand celebrations to honor Xu Fu, whom the Japanese consider their ancient ancestor.

After unifying the “Six States,” Emperor Qin Shi Huang set out in search of an elixir of immortality. The alchemist Xu Fu reported that three immortal mountains—Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou—in the East Sea were home to such an elixir, which, when consumed, could grant eternal life. Emperor Qin Shi Huang was overjoyed. In 219 B.C. and 201 B.C., Xu Fu led three thousand young boys and girls across the sea to the East to gather the elixir. This massive relief sculpture is divided into five sections, connected by auspicious clouds adorned with lingzhi mushrooms.

Under the influence of premonitory superstitions during the Han Dynasty, many unusual phenomena in nature were interpreted as auspicious omens. Just like such lucky symbols as lingzhi mushrooms, qilin, and phoenixes, these phenomena were also referred to as “ruizhi” or “ruicao.” At that time, the feudal rulers believed that the appearance of lingzhi mushrooms was a sign of divine approval and blessing from Heaven. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, the imperial palace had fallen into disrepair over the years, and fungus resembling lingzhi began to grow on its eaves. Upon hearing this, the ministers told Emperor Wu that it was because his virtue and merits were immeasurable—thus, Heaven had bestowed its blessings, causing the lingzhi mushrooms to sprout. Upon hearing this, Emperor Wu was greatly delighted and ordered the people to present lingzhi mushrooms as tribute, sparking a nationwide craze for collecting and offering lingzhi mushrooms as gifts.

"Chizhui of the Han Palace"

It is said that during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, the imperial palace had fallen into disrepair over the years, and lingzhi mushrooms began to grow on its eaves. The court officials told Emperor Wu that this was because his virtue was boundless—thus, Heaven had bestowed its blessings, causing the lingzhi mushrooms to appear. Upon hearing this, Emperor Wu was greatly delighted and ordered the people to present lingzhi mushrooms as tribute. As a result, a fervent craze for collecting and presenting lingzhi mushrooms erupted throughout the realm. What we see today is precisely the grand scene in which civil and military officials of those days presented lingzhi mushrooms to Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.

Over the long span of more than two thousand years from the Ming and Qing dynasties, Lingzhi has consistently been a central figure in traditional art. Beyond the literary works—such as classic texts, poems, paintings, and sculptures—dedicated to Lingzhi, there are also numerous mythological tales, including “The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea” and “Magu Presenting Longevity.” As a health supplement, Lingzhi’s use as such began after Ge Hong refined Lingzhi into elixirs.