The City God Temple (Chenghuangmiao) near central Ningbo is one of the major Taoist temples in the city, housing the deity responsible for the welfare of Ningbo's population in the traditional cosmological system where every city had its own divine guardian. The current temple complex dates from the Qing dynasty and has been rebuilt several times, but the site has been sacred since the Song dynasty when Ningbo was an important commercial port and the city god was invoked before every maritime voyage.
The temple is the focal point of the surrounding street market that bears its name, and the combination of active religious practice and commercial activity is characteristic of the popular religion tradition throughout Jiangnan. The main hall's interior is densely decorated with painted carvings, gilded statues, and festival banners, and offerings of fruit, incense, and paper money are burned continuously. The courtyard is used for theatrical performances during major festivals, particularly the City God's birthday celebration in the fifth lunar month.