1966-1976 CE

The Chinese Cultural Revolution, marked by the communist takeover of China, results in a major downfall in Taoism’s popularity as the new Communist government prohibits superstitious practices. Religion itself is allowed but the mystical and superstitious overtones of Taoism draw more attention from the government and public practices of Taoism in most traditional forms is forbidden, many Taoist temples and monasteries are destroyed, and Taoist texts are burned in mass. Some smaller, more specific sects of Taoism thrive but Taoism as a whole suffers greatly in China.