Is it true that Chinese people practiced spiritual cultivation in ancient times? Are there any historical records?

It is definitely true that the ancient Chinese practiced cultivation. Moreover, there are official historical records.

The ancient sages believed that real people were originally immortal, but the difference between longevity and death was only due to serious pollution the day after tomorrow. This is consistent with what Sakyamuni realized after he became a Buddha, that is, "All sentient beings have the wisdom and virtue of the Tathagata, but they cannot achieve it because of delusional thinking and persistence." Therefore, Buddhists must refer to the "original face". Taoists want to find the true nature.

Zhang Sanfeng in the History of the Ming Dynasty. Zhang Sanfeng is the founder of the Wudang Sect. He was conferred the title of "Loyal and Filial Immortal" by Emperor Huizong of the Yuan Dynasty. He was granted the title "The Immortal of Loyalty and Filial Piety" by Emperor Huizong of the Yuan Dynasty. He was granted the title of "The Immortal of the Sixth Patriarch of the Ming Dynasty by Youlong. He was called the "True Immortal of Taoguang Shangzhi", Ming Shizong gave him the title of "Qingxu Yuanmiao True Monarch", and Ming Xizong gave him the title of "Feilong Xianhua Hongren Jishijun".

Zuo Ci in the Later Han Dynasty. "Book of the Later Han Dynasty: Biography of Fang Shu II" records: "There are few divine ways." Later, Cao Cao did not believe in evil and sent someone to monitor him for a year. He did not eat for a year.