China Taoist Association elects new head

Li Guangfu (C), newly-elected chairman of China Taoist Association (CTA), addresses the closing ceremony of CTA's four-day national congress in Beijing, capital of China, June 29, 2015. Li was elected chairman of CTA according to the CTA's announcement on Monday. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Li Guangfu was elected chairman of China Taoist Association (CTA), the CTA announced Monday after its four-day national congress ended.

Li was born in central China's Hubei Province in 1955. He was previously CTA vice chairman and also headed the Taoist Association of Wudang Mountain in Hubei, a key site of China's Taoist culture.

At the closing ceremony, Li vowed to promote the image and healthy development of the religion, contribute to the building of the spiritual hometown of the Chinese nation and push forward the establishment of an international Taoist organization to enhance the exchanges of various cultures and the wisdom to resolve world problems.

Yu Zhengsheng, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, later met Li and the new leadership of CTA.

Yu called on the CTA to unite believers around the Party and the state, making more contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the achievement of the Chinese Dream.

Yu also hoped Taoists would promote China's cultural traditions, and improve the influence of the Chinese culture.