Gods Dutian was a civil belief which was practiced in the region between Yangtze River and Huai River in ancient China. The modem academia holds different presumptions to the ancestry of Gods Dutian. This paper will examine the accuracy of the leading presumption, which believes the worship of Gods Dutian was originated from worshipping Zhang Xun, a general during Tang Dynasty. By researching into numerous regional chronicles and records, in conclusion the birth of Gods Dutian had nothing to do with General Zhang Xun; however, the research shows these two kinds of worships combined around Ming or Qing Dynasty. This combination had promoted the social statuses of both; it also had triggered the multiplex development of the principal belief of the new Gods Dutian.
From the single original function of 驅鬼辟疫, Gods Dutian had developed into the functions of 驅鬼辟疫, guardian of the nation, and protector of voyage. We have concluded that there were three social bases that triggered the evolution of Gods Dutian: development of civil culture, influence of ruling feudalism power, and Taoism activities. They each had influenced the development of Gods Dutian in its own way through ideals and customs. The civil celebrations of Gods Dutian take many forms, such as 廟會. The majority of them have certain practical applications as well.