Most traditional Chinese methods of health preservation, including qigong, martial arts and traditional Chinese medicine, have links with Taoism. Ancient Chinese Taoists were enthusiastic alchemists, who attempted to produce immortality pills by smelting minerals such as aluminum and mercury. The experiments in alchemy, though irrational from a modern viewpoint, greatly promoted advances in science and technology in ancient China, including the production of gunpowder and ancient chemistry.

(China.org.cn April 20, 2007)