The Folk Taoism 民间道教

Folk Taoism is a general term for Taoist sects composed of popular folk Taoists and independent Taoist groups formed by heretical Taoist leaders preaching among the people. Under the high pressure of the feudal autocratic regime, folk Taoism often appeared in the form of secret societies, and even launched peasant wars against the imperial court, thus being denounced as "evil Taoism" by the government and suppressed. In fact, the Wudoumi Dao and Taiping Dao of early Taoism were both founded in the form of folk Taoism.

However, later, the Tianshi Dao was recognized by the imperial court and became orthodox Taoism, while other folk Taoist sects were slandered as "heretical religions". Therefore, later, people collectively referred to all Taoist sects other than the official Taoism as folk Taoism. Folk Taoism is opposed to the gentry Taoism supported by the government. Folk Taoism is generally talisman-water Taoism, which is also different from the immortal Taoism that pursues longevity and immortality.