I. First Period, "the Genesis of Taoism"

1. Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu (650 B.C.E.).

II. Second Period, "the Development of Taoism"

1. Writings of Chuang-tzu by Chuang-tzu (340 B.C.E.)

2. Lieh-tzu by Lieh-tzu (350 B.C.E.)

3. Hua Hu Ching

III. Third Period, "the Decadence of Taoism"

Many consider that from the 4th century C.E. onward nothing of great worth has been produced in Taoism.