Did Li Ching-Yuen Live to be 256 Years Old?

There are stories of a Chinese man, Li Ching-Yuen, who is said to have lived to be 256 years old. He was born in either 1677 or 1736 and lived until 1933. Wikipedia, in a biography, states that he was born in 1677 and was a martial artist, herbalist, and tactical advisor. A 1930 New York Times article quotes a professor, Wu Chung-chieh of Chengud University as having discovered imperial Chinese records from 1827 congratulating him on his 150th birthday, as well as a similar congratulatory note in 1877, on his 200th birthday. A 1928 Times article recounted that many of the old men in Li's neighborhood asserted that their grandparents knew him when they were boys and that at that time, he was a grown man. Li, according to the stories, had met an older hermit, over 500 years old, who had taught him various arts, including Qigong, that he had performed faithfully.

The May 15th, 1933 issue of Time reported on his history, including his way for living long:
--Tranquil mind;
--Sit like a tortoise;
--Walk sprightly like a pigeon;
--Sleep like a dog.

The biggest problem in authenticating Li's age is the lack of radiocarbon dating. It can be used to determine the date of birth of an individual. And the lack of recordkeeping in China makes it difficult to authenticate or debunk these claims.

The story of Li's life is frequently used by certain websites to sell Goji Berries, which are touted as a superfood which can greatly enhance health.

The May 5th, 1933 New York Times published an obituary of Li's death. The obituary stated that he had 23 wives and 180 living descendents. Locating some of these descendents could authenticate or refute this story.

The longest authenticated age for anyone is Jeanne Louise Calment, who lived from 1875 to 1997 and died at the age of 122 years. She lived in France.