In Buddhism there are a number of Buddhas who have different functions and powers. When Buddhism was introduced to China, lots of Buddhist stories have sprung out. Ji Gong is a living Buddha for Chinese people, and many stories told are about him.

According to folk tales, he lived in the Southern Song Dynasty, and was often called "Lunatic Ji" owning to his lunatic acts. In addition, he was named Ji Gong for his pleasure in defending people against injustice, rewarding virtue and punishing vice, as well as his almsgiving to the poor. Since the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the legend of Ji Gong has been extensively spreading across China as a widely known folk tale. There also exist abundant folk customs and stories related to him.

The stories of Ji Gong are rooted in a real historical figure, featuring regional originality and supernatural plots. Meanwhile, it is characterized by extensive involvement of all aspects of life as well as rich and diversified contents. It is an embodiment of common people's joy, anger, grief and happiness.

In the past 800 odd years, the legend of Ji Gong has been serving as inexhaustible materials for literature and art. Other than the verbal performance, it is performed in the form of singing, dancing, drama, fiction, movie, TV play, painting, calligraphy and carving.