Tu Di Gong is a local earth god, the guardian of a place and the people who live there. At home, many families place a small statue or picture near the front door or on a low altar, where he can watch over the house. Shrines are often at ground level or beneath a main altar, so the placement is usually modest rather than grand.
Who Tudigong is
Tudigong, also called Tu Di Gong or the Lord of the Land, is a local tutelary deity in Chinese folk religion, Taoism, and Buddhism. Each place has its own earth god, so the figure is tied to a specific location. People who move to a new area often say goodbye to the old local Tudigong and honour the god of the new place. He ranks low among the gods, but he is widely loved as a neighbourhood guardian.
He is usually shown as a kindly, white-bearded old man, often seated and holding a wealth symbol such as an ingot.
Where households usually keep Tudigong
At the door or threshold
A small shrine or image near the front door is a common place for him, alongside the other front door good-luck items many households use. In some homes it is set just inside the door, and in others it is set at the threshold. In Hong Kong, for example, households have been known to display a doorway spirit tablet to invoke his blessings.
On an altar or shelf
Many homes keep a small shrine or image on a low altar or beneath a main altar. This keeps him close to the household and makes the daily offering simple.
Placement for shops and offices
Shop owners and traders often place Tudigong near the entrance or a counter, where staff and customers pass. Keep the figure above the floor, at a respectful height, and clear of heavy objects. A shelf near the till or the main door is a common choice.
Tudi Po, his wife
Tudigong is often shown with his wife, Tudi Po, who is sometimes called the Grandmother of the Land. Families often place her beside him on the altar. Her image has changed over the centuries, and some families keep only Tudigong.
Festival dates
In Taiwan, the second day of the second lunar month is traditionally treated as Tudigong’s birthday, and the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month is another festival day. Customs differ by region and family, so ask a local temple or family if you are unsure.
Moving house
When a family moves, many people say farewell to the old local Tudigong and then invite the god of the new place into the home. Practice varies, but a short, respectful farewell and a new small shrine are the usual steps.
Respectful care and offerings
- Simple offerings. Fresh fruit, tea, or water are common. Replace them before they spoil.
- Gentle cleaning. Dust the figure with a soft, dry cloth, and keep the shelf tidy.
- A respectful ending. If a figure is damaged, handle it as you would any devotional figure. The Kwan Yin placement guide explains the common approach of asking a temple for advice.
Other household figures
Tudigong is one of several household and local figures. Many families also honour the Kitchen God at the stove, and they keep ancestral tablets in a separate place. See the Kitchen God guide and the ancestor altar guide for those figures.
The short version
- Tu Di Gong is the local earth god, usually placed near the door or on a low altar.
- Use a clean, respectful spot with simple offerings.
- Festival dates and customs vary, so check with a local temple or family.