China is a country with a long history and rich resources of national culture. China's ancient history is the root of modern Chinese culture. It is audible, visible and touchable. Through the ages, unique traditions have exerted an influence on the Chinese people's thinking and behaviors. Stories about gods, ghosts, fairies and spirits have emerged in the course of social progress. This shows that China has developed its own national tradition in creating gods since ancient times.
  
With abundant historical materials and exhaustive studies over many years, the author provides a vivid and interesting account of the twenty-nine widely known and revered gods who influenced the lives of the Chinese people for many centuries. They include the Bodhisattva Guanyin, a goddess who helps the needy and relieves the distressed; Zhong Kui, a hero in vanquishing ghosts and demons; Kitchen God, who is in charge of blessing the mortal; King of Hell, sovereign of the ghost world; Jade Emperor, the highest ruler in Heaven; and Jiang Taigong, who is responsible for granting titles to gods. Why and how are they enshrined and worshipped by the masses and even by the rulers? This book gives the answers scientifically and objectively, thus presenting one aspect of the Chinese popular culture. This is helpful in the understanding of people's religious beliefs, and of archaeology, history, sociology, psychology, and folk literature.