Earth God, also known as ‘God of Blessing and Virtue’, is deity who oversees local lands in Chinese ancient mythology, and was known as ‘God of Land’ in the early days. In Macao, Earth God altars are installed in many businesses and households. There are also many ‘Earth God Temples’ along the streets and alleys. This shrine was originally dedicated to the Gatekeeping Earth God of Tai Wai Tobacco Company on Travessa dos Anjos.

In the past, most of the westerners’ business and residential houses were built along Rua do Compo and Rua da Praia Grande, thus Travessa dos Anjos was the only means of access between the residential area and the commercial market. Most well-off families in Macao also chose to live on that alley, and the location of Tai Wai Tobacco Company was previously the residence of the local wealthy businessman Cao You. Using a play on words, the couplet in the shrine expressively conveys the family’s wishes: ‘Wealth with acres of land; family with generations of officials’.