Zhao Gongming
趙公明
The Great Heavenly Deity of Wealth — the chief deity of prosperity in Taoist tradition.
Origin Story
The Investiture of the Gods Origin
According to the novel Investiture of the Gods, Zhao Gongming was a disciple of Yuqing (the Jade Pure sect) who served on Mount Emei. He came to the aid of the Shang forces with powerful magic weapons, including the Golden Whip and Binding Rope, but was eventually killed by Jiang Ziya's side.
Zhao Gongming is the Taoist god of wealth and one of the most popular deities in Chinese folk religion. Originally a figure of the Investiture of the Gods, he has been venerated for millennia as the bringer of prosperity. His worship is particularly strong among merchants and business owners.
Powers & Symbols
Attributes & Artefacts
Click each card to reveal the details behind Zhao Gongming's divine attributes.
Magical Artifacts & Weapons
Zhao Gongming's Divine Arsenal
The legendary weapons and treasures wielded by Zhao Gongming — each with its own origin story, powers, and mythological significance.
Historical & Cultural Meaning
Beyond the Myth
The Five Gods of Wealth
In Chinese folk religion, Zhao Gongming is often worshipped as one of the Five Gods of Wealth (五路財神), presiding over the five directions from which wealth can come. The other four are Bi Gan (比干), the Loyal Minister of Shang; Fan Li (范蠡), the Wealthy Recluse; Cao Bin (曹濱); and Shi Wenzhen (石萬珍).
Taoist Deification
In Taoist tradition, Zhao Gongming is elevated to a celestial official of the Jade Pure Heaven. He is venerated as one of the four great celestial administrators (along with the Heavenly Masters of the four cardinal directions). His image is found in countless Taoist temples throughout China.
Worship and Festivals
Zhao Gongming is worshipped by merchants and businesspeople throughout China, particularly on the second day of the first lunar month and the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month. His image is placed in shops, restaurants, and homes to bring prosperity. He is sometimes depicted with a black tiger mount and wielding a golden whip to drive away evil influences on wealth.
Mythology Network
Connections & Relationships
Zhao Gongming is woven into a larger web of gods, creatures, and legends. Explore the connections below.
Zhao Gongming
趙公明
Caishen
The God of Wealth — invoked by every merchant, shopkeeper, and household in the Chinese world.
Bi Deng (Three Demon Brothers)
The Three Demon Brothers of Mount Mei — Tongtian's fiercest disciples supporting Shang.
Jian Zai Jun
Tongtian Jiaozhu's senior disciple — the spiritual editor of the Fengshen cosmos.
Yuanshi Tianzun
The Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning — the supreme Taoist deity.