Their methods include selecting good local officials, who were supposed to be outstanding administrators when alive and can continue with their responsibilities after death. It is said that Tsao Chin, who built the Tsao Kung Canal in the Ching dynasty, took responsibility as Hsinchu's Cheng Huang after he died.
方法不外是：陽間父母官，生前治績優秀，死後繼續連任，傳說清朝興建「曹公圳」的曹謹死後便任新竹城隍。