In Yiyuan county of East China's Shandong Province, some ancient Taoist frescos have been uncovered after decades hidden from view. Experts say the Qizhen Temple finding proves that the Quanzhen Taoist sect reached its climax prior to 12-39 AD, during the early Yuan Dynasty.

Taoism is China's only indigenous religion, and Shandong is one of its origins. The Yiyuan County frescos show 28 star gods. The animals above their heads and weapons in their hands symbolize the different birth origins and duties of each god. They protect and manage the earth from their vantage point in heaven.

Jiang sheng, archeologist, said, "The fresco art found in the temple is very valuable to the research of Taoism. It's very rare to find Taoist frescos in China these days."

In the 1960s during the cultural revolution, local villagers covered the frescos with mud to prevent their destruction by red guards. Archeologists from Shandong University have now removed the mud, exposing the paintings underneath.

Experts say Taoism was once very popular in this area of Shandong. Now, with the government's support, the historical relics of this ancient Qizhen Temple are being both protected and appreciated.

(CCTV.com October 10, 2004)