Laozi, also known by Lao-Tzu or Lao-Tze, was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer, and is renowned as the author of the 'Tao Te Ching' and being the founder of philosophical Taoism. Laozi is usually believed to have lived in the 6th century BCE, being a contemporary of Confucius, though some scholars place him later during the Warring States period of the 5th-4th century BCE.

Laozi is a central figure in Chinese culture, and was claimed by both the emperors of the Tang Dynasty as well as modern people with the Li surname as being the founder of their lineage. He was deified as a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese folk religion. It is said that he left China for the west on the back of a water bufallo, seeking knowledge and the Secret of the Universe.

He became immortal and ascended to become Grand Master of Heaven and one of the San-Qing, taking the name Lao-Jun and advising the Jade Emperor.