Li Guangfu, a CPPCC member and chairman of the China Taoist Association. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

A worldwide Taoist federation is expected to be established this year, and preparation is already underway, according to Li Guangfu, a CPPCC member and chairman of the China Taoist Association (CTA). Li described the plans in Beijing on March 6, Chinanews.com reported.

China is home to multiple religions. Over the course of several centuries, five major religious doctrines have taken root in the country, namely Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and other sects of Christianity. These five religions are in addition to a variety of folk beliefs and ethnic minority faith doctrines.

Taoism, however, is the only major religion to originate in China. It is an ancient tradition rooted in Chinese customs and perspectives. According to Li, the new Taoist federation is expected to be established during the Fourth International Taoist Forum this year. The primary purpose of establishing an international Taoist organization is to promote traditional Chinese culture in every corner of the world, explained Li.

Taoism currently faces many problems in China. Some temples have been commercialized, and many followers have been cheated by fake temples and "Taoist" imposters. De-commercialization is crucial in Taoist circles, and some temples plan to implement formal religious policies.

Li also revealed that plans are in the works to develop a query system that would allow users to distinguish real Taoist organizations from fake ones through the use of big data.

At present, there are 10 Taoism schools in China. Fifteen syllabi and textbooks related to Taoism are now in the process of being compiled. In the future, Taoist practitioners with foreign language skills will be cultivated to promote China’s Taoist culture.