Changchun (1148-1227) was a Chinese Taoist monk and traveler. Taoism is a philosophical and religious tradition that began in China around 400 B.C. Changchun’s name is also spelled Ch’ang-ch’un. His Taoist name was Qiu Chuji, also spelled Ch’iu Ch’u-chi. Changchun was also an alchemist . Alchemists traditionally experimented with chemistry and magic. However, Changchun interpreted alchemist principles in a more spiritual manner. Changchun traveled from China to what is now Afghanistan in the early 1200’s at the request of Genghis Khan , ruler of the Mongols .
Changchun was born in what is now eastern Shandong Province. He belonged to a strict branch of Taoism. Changchun believed that people had lost their natural state of being. However, they could regain it by appreciating nature, leading a simple life, and following such practices as eating healthfully and sleeping little. Taoists also hoped to find a way to live forever. When Changchun was 40 years old, he was invited to teach Emperor Shizong (Shih-tsung), the ruler of northern China.
Genghis Khan conquered Beijing in 1215. He asked Changchun to visit him. In 1219, he sent an assistant and 20 Mongol guards to Laizhou, near Yantai, to escort Changchun and 19 of his disciples to Beijing. By the time the party arrived there, Genghis Khan had moved farther west. Changchun spent the winter in the city. He then continued westward to meet Genghis Khan. His disciple and companion Li Zhichang (Li Chih-ch’ang) wrote a diary describing their journey of thousands of miles across deserts and mountains. They traveled through central Asia to Samarqand , in what is now Uzbekistan . They then turned south and crossed the Hindu Kush mountains, eventually arriving at Genghis Khan’s camp near Kabul, in what is now Afghanistan.
Genghis Khan had many questions for Changchun. He was interested in the philosopher’s stone, a legendary substance believed by alchemists to help turn base metals into precious metals. He was also interested in Taoist alchemists’ efforts to create a substance that would make people immortal. Changchun told Genghis that there were ways to prolong life, but there was no secret medicine to make people live forever. His honesty impressed the Mongol ruler.
Changchun returned to Beijing in 1224. Genghis Khan ordered that Changchun be ranked above other priests and religious people. He also gave him complete control of the Chinese Taoist community. Both Genghis Khan and Changchun died in 1227.
