The Zhang Qilong 张起隆

Zhang Qilong (?–1798) was the 58th Heavenly Master of the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) School of Taoism.

His courtesy name was Shaowu, and his literary names were Jinyan and Tishan.

As recorded in Bu Tianshi Shijia (Supplement to the Genealogy of the Heavenly Masters) by Zhang Yuanxu: Qilong was skilled in writing, had a tall and sturdy physique, and enjoyed traveling beyond the mundane world (as a Taoist practitioner).

In the 39th year of the Qianlong reign (1774), he passed the examination to become a copyist at the Siku Quanshu Editorial Office. He was evaluated as Grade One in the official performance assessment, and later was assigned to Henan Province to serve as a county assistant magistrate. He successively held acting positions including the Administrative Officer of Kaifeng Prefecture, the Repository Administrator of the Grain Storage Circuit, and the Chief Clerk of the Provincial Administrative Commission.

In the 44th year of the Qianlong reign (1779), after Zhang Cunyi passed away due to illness, Zhang Qilong inherited the Taoist position and teaching authority (as Heavenly Master).

In the 47th year of the Qianlong reign (1782), he went to the capital to have an audience with the emperor, and was granted an audience in the Qianqing Palace. In the 3rd year of the Jiaqing reign (1798), he was required to go to the capital for an audience in accordance with the usual practice. When he reached Suzhou, he reported illness and returned to the mountain; soon after, he passed away at Shangqing Palace.