There are two main theories about the specific location of Lao Tzu's hometown. One theory believes that Lao Tzu's hometown is located in Taiqinggong Town, Luyi County, Henan Province, and another theory believes that it is located in Wuyang County, Anhui Province. Both claims have their own basis, but so far, no conclusive archaeological discoveries have been able to definitively confirm the birthplace of Lao Tzu.
The statement of Taiqinggong Town, Luyi County, Henan Province is based on Sima Qian's "Historical Records: Han Fei Laozi's Biography", which records that Laozi is "a native of Qurenli, Li Township, Chuku County", according to today's statement, that is, a native of Taiqinggong Town, Luyi County. This statement has been supported by the vast majority of Chinese and foreign authorities. Taiqing Palace is located in the east of Luyi County ten miles, according to historical records, the Eastern Han Dynasty Yanxi eight years (AD 165), Han Huan Emperor Liu Zhi sent the regular servant Guan Ba to come to create, the original name of Laozi Temple. Emperors of all dynasties have expanded and revered the Taiqing Palace, making it large in scale and an important sacred place for Taoism.
The claim in Wuyang County, Anhui Province, originated in the early 1990s by Ma Bingwen, a Taiwanese guest. After Ma Bingwen returned to Wuyang, he investigated some local relics and claimed to have found more evidence in Wuyang than Luyi to support the claim of Lao Tzu's hometown. This claim has some support on the ground, but it is not widely accepted.
In general, the controversy about Lao Tzu's hometown is still ongoing and inconclusive. However, regardless of the specific location of Lao Tzu's hometown, the influence of Lao Tzu's thought and philosophy on the development of Chinese philosophy and culture is unquestionable.