Zhang Guolao

The Old Immortal Riding Backward

Tang-era immortal who rides his donkey backward and can feign death and revive.

Zhang Guolao was the aged immortal who appeared at the Tang court, riding his white donkey backward and folding it up like paper when he stopped. Emperor Xuanzong tested him with wine and poison; Zhang Guo revived after each death and finally vanished in song. He embodies the unflappable mystery of old age.