Wu Chengzhen

Wu Chengzhen (; born 14 January 1957) is the first woman to become a Fangzhang (principal abbess) in the history of Taoism, which occurred in 2009.

Early life Wu Yuanzhen was born on 14 January 1957, in Xinzhou District, Wuhan, Hubei province, China as the youngest daughter of a family of six brothers and sisters. As a child, Wu read books belonging to her relatives about Buddhism, Christianity and Taoism. Before the Cultural Revolution, she was able to finish high school and began working as an accountant, but no options for formal higher education were open to her. Wu began self-study, reading texts on philosophy, theology and enlightenment The Changchun Temple, built during the Yuan dynasty, is one of the most important in China. One of her main duties is fundraising. Taoist clergy depend on public donations for their public works projects. Wu reportedly has around 10,000 followers who annually donate at least 2 million yuan (US$292,920), used to care for the poor and children who have dropped out of school, widows, as well as for construction projects for bridges, roads,