As to the prototype of the god himself, opinions differ. Some say he is a deification of Hou Chi, the official in charge of agriculture under the ancient emperor Yao.
關於土地神的來源，民間也流行不少其他說法，例如一說他是堯帝農務官後稷，後人為紀念他廣教農法殖產的恩澤而祀他。