Zhang Ling, also known as Zhang Daoling, was born in 34 AD in Feng County, Pei Country during the Eastern Han dynasty, which is now Feng County, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province. He is considered one of the founders of Taoism, especially the Way of the Celestial Masters, also known as the Five Pecks of Rice or Tian Shi Dao. Taoists call him "Zhang Tianshi" or "Celestial Master Zhang".

The religious organization initially established by Zhang Daoling is known as the Way of the Celestial Masters or Five Pecks of Rice. The name Five Pecks of Rice comes from the annual fee that followers need to pay to join this sect, which is five pecks of rice. Zhang Daoling is acclaimed as the "Celestial Master", corresponding to stars in the heavens, responsible for guiding people's lives, releasing misfortune, and protecting them. In other words, he is a figure with healing, dispelling spirits, and bringing blessings.

His teachings are mainly put into practice through talismans, prophecies and other supernatural events. Zhang Daoling's instructions, based on Tao Te Ching, emphasize morality and honesty, encourage people to pursue spiritual purification, ideas that deeply influence traditional Chinese culture.

Taoists honor him as Zhang Zhenren and Zhang Tianshi, and he is also one of the main founders of Taoism. The life of Zhang Daoling is rich and mysterious in legends.