The Jiang Shanxin 姜善信

Jiang Shanxin (1197-1274) was a native of Zhaocheng in Hedong (now part of Shanxi Province) during the Jin and Yuan dynasties. His courtesy name was Yancheng, and his Taoist title was "Real Person Jingying".

At the age of 19, he studied under Jin Daoyuan, who held the Taoist title "Real Person Zhenchang". Jin Daoyuan taught him physiognomy (the art of judging character or predicting fate from facial features) as well as various theories of Yin-Yang (the opposing yet complementary forces in traditional Chinese philosophy) and strategic tactics.

In search of the historical sites associated with immortals, Jiang Shanxin lived in seclusion at Wangdiao Cave on Huashan Mountain.

Later, following his teacher’s order, he went to Longmen Mountain to practice Taoist teachings.

Jiang Shanxin was skilled at divining future events, and his reputation spread to the imperial capital.

Subsequently, he succeeded to the "dharma seat" (a position for presiding over Taoist teachings and rituals) and lived on the mountain for more than ten years, remaining untainted by worldly affairs. Later, he built Biyun Nunnery (a small Taoist retreat) to reside in.

When Kublai Khan (Emperor Shizu of the Yuan Dynasty) marched south, he summoned Jiang Shanxin to inquire about military strategies for the campaign. Jiang Shanxin responded with ideas centered on benevolence and righteousness, thus gaining the emperor’s trust and favor.

He was summoned to the imperial court on multiple occasions, and his answers always met the emperor’s expectations. The emperor therefore bestowed upon him the Taoist title "Real Person Jingying".

In the eighth year of the Zhiyuan era (1273), the emperor sent envoys to convey an order to Jiang Shanxin, instructing him to go to Chang’an (present-day Xi’an, Shaanxi Province) to meet Prince Anxi and advise the prince on the principles of benevolence and righteousness. Prince Anxi received him with extraordinary courtesy. Later, Jiang Shanxin raised funds to build Jianji Taoist Temple, and people near and far honored him with the title "Heavenly Master" (a high honorific in Taoism).

In the second month of the 11th year of the Zhiyuan era (1274), Jiang Shanxin passed away peacefully without illness at the age of 78.

Accounts of his life can be found in Records of Hejin County and Comprehensive Records of Shaanxi.