A City God (Chinese: 城隍神; pinyin: Chénghuángshén; lit. 'god of the boundary'), is a tutelary deity in Chinese folk religion who is believed to protect the people and the affairs of the particular village, town or city of great dimension, and the corresponding location in the afterlife.
It was possible for a city to change the identity of its local Cheng Huang by simply forgetting the old god and welcoming a new protector to the existing temple with a joyous celebration.
Cities from cultures all around the world have a long history of adopting deities to be their patrons. From Greece to China, as well as Phoenicia, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, city god cults can be found all over the world.
City God Temple, originally called Jinshan Temple, is located in Huangpu area near the most bustling Yuyuan Market. It was built in the years of Yongle (1402-1624) Emperor in the Ming Dynasty. With a 600-year-long history, City God Temple is one of the most important scenic spots in Shanghai.
Traditionally, the City God, usually called Cheng Huang Ye (Lord of the Wall and Moat), played a key role in the so-called "otherworldly bureaucracy" of Chinese religion. He was considered responsible for the safety and prosperity of his territory in the same way as was a county magistrate.
Explore the role of Cheng Huang, the City God in Chinese mythology, responsible for safeguarding walled cities from malevolent spirits. Discover the divine hierarchy, spiritual guardianship, and the rituals associated with City God worship.
There are temples dedicated to the local City God in many cities of China . Much as the ancient Indians, the ancient Sumerians, and the ancient Greeks did, the Chinese traditionally believed that guardian gods watched over cities.