# Li Ching-Yuen

> Chinese martial artist and herbalist who claimed extreme longevity

**Wikidata**: [Q304690](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q304690)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_Ching-Yuen)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/li-ching-yuen

## Summary
Li Ching-Yuen was a Chinese martial artist and herbalist who claimed to have lived an extraordinarily long life, reportedly reaching the age of 256 years. His longevity claims have made him a subject of fascination in discussions about human potential and traditional Chinese medicine.

## Biography
- Born: Multiple dates reported (February 26, 1577; various dates in 1677; 1736; and February 26, 1840)
- Nationality: Chinese
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Claims of extreme longevity (256 years) and expertise in martial arts and herbalism
- Employer(s): Not specified in source material
- Field(s): Martial arts, herbalism

## Contributions
Li Ching-Yuen claimed to have lived an extraordinarily long life, reportedly reaching the age of 256 years. He was known as a martial artist and herbalist who specialized in traditional Chinese medicine practices and martial arts techniques. His longevity claims have contributed to discussions about human potential and traditional Chinese healing practices.

## FAQs
How long did Li Ching-Yuen claim to live?
Li Ching-Yuen claimed to have lived to the age of 256 years, with multiple birth dates reported including February 26, 1577; various dates in 1677; 1736; and February 26, 1840.

What was Li Ching-Yuen's profession?
Li Ching-Yuen was a Chinese martial artist and herbalist, known for his expertise in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts techniques.

How did Li Ching-Yuen claim to achieve his longevity?
While specific methods aren't detailed in the source material, as an herbalist, Li Ching-Yuan likely attributed his claimed longevity to traditional Chinese herbal remedies and practices.

Is Li Ching-Yuen's longevity claim historically verified?
The source material does not provide information on the verification of Li Ching-Yuen's longevity claims, which remain unconfirmed by mainstream historians.

## Why They Matter
Li Ching-Yuen's claims of extreme longevity have fascinated people for generations, making him a notable figure in discussions about human potential and the limits of lifespan. His reputation as both a martial artist and herbalist has contributed to cultural narratives about traditional Chinese practices and their possible effects on human longevity. His story continues to inspire interest in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts practices.

## Notable For
- Claimed extreme longevity (256 years), making him one of the individuals with the longest reported lifespans
- Combined expertise in martial arts and traditional Chinese herbalism
- Subject of fascination and debate regarding human potential lifespan

## Body
### Life and Longevity Claims
Li Ching-Yuen was a Chinese martial artist and herbalist who claimed to have lived an extraordinarily long life. Multiple birth dates have been reported for him, including February 26, 1577; various dates in 1677; 1736; and February 26, 1840. He reportedly died on May 6, 1933, at what would have been the age of 256 years if the 1677 birth date is accurate. His longevity claims have made him a subject of fascination and debate in discussions about human potential and the limits of lifespan.

### Professional Life
Li Ching-Yuen worked as both a martial artist and herbalist in China. His expertise in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts techniques established him as a notable figure in these fields. While specific employers or institutions he worked for are not detailed in the source material, his reputation spanned different historical periods in China, including the Ming dynasty, Qing dynasty, and early Republic of China.

### Cultural Significance
Li Ching-Yuen's claims of extreme longevity have made him a cultural icon in discussions about traditional Chinese medicine practices and their potential effects on human health and lifespan. His story has contributed to narratives about the possible benefits of herbal remedies and martial arts training for longevity. Despite the lack of historical verification for his longevity claims, his story continues to inspire interest in traditional Chinese healing practices.

### Historical Context
Li Ching-Yuen lived through multiple significant periods in Chinese history, including the transition from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) to the Qing dynasty (1644-1912) and eventually the Republic of China (1912-1949). His life spanned these transformative periods, though his claimed longevity would place him in multiple historical eras simultaneously, which contributes to the debate surrounding the validity of his age claims.

### Legacy and Verification
The historical verification of Li Ching-Yuen's longevity claims remains unclear. While he has become a legendary figure in discussions about extreme human lifespan, mainstream historians have not confirmed his age claims. His story continues to be cited in various contexts, including discussions about traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts practices, and the potential for human longevity. His legacy persists primarily through his claimed status as one of the longest-lived individuals in recorded history.

## References

1. [Source](https://ancestors.familysearch.org/G7S4-T15/li-ching-yuen-1577-1933)
2. [Source](https://www.valleyspiritarts.com/shop/immortal-true-accounts-250-year-old-man-li-qingyun/)
3. [Source](https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/li-ching-yuen/)
4. [Source](https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,745510,00.html)
5. [Source](https://ancestors.familysearch.org/LV52-2QV/li-ching-yuen-1840-1933)
6. [Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190651567/li-ching-yuen)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013