Caibo Xingjun (God of Wealth)

Caibo Xingjun is none other than Li Guizu, the Civil God of Wealth, a native of the Northern Wei dynasty who served as magistrate of Quliang County. Renowned for his integrity, compassion for the people, and austere lifestyle, he saved countless lives during his tenure. After his death, local villagers erected a shrine in his honour. Over successive dynasties, he received repeated imperial enfeoffments: during the Tang dynasty he was honoured as Dutian Zhifu Caibo Xingjun (Celestial Lord of Universal Prosperity and Wealth), and during the Yuan dynasty as Fushan Pingshi Gong (Duke of Benevolent Blessings and Equitable Bestowal). In folk depictions, he appears as a fair-skinned, bearded scholar-official clad in an official’s robe and jade belt, holding a ruyi sceptre or gold ingot. Traditional New Year woodblock prints of Caibo Xingjun were commonly displayed as central hall decorations during the Spring Festival, symbolising wealth arriving with spring and joy accompanying fortune. His birthday is traditionally observed on the 17th day of the 9th lunar month, when Caishen Festivals are held nationwide; his attainment day falls on the 22nd day of the 7th lunar month—the Northern Caishen Festival—when shops set up altars, fire ceremonial cannons, and vie to welcome Caibo Xingjun into their premises, praying for flourishing business and abundant prosperity throughout the year.