Fujian's Meizhou Island Turns Temple Pilgrimage Into Multi-Day Getaway
Putian – September 24, 2026 -- Meizhou Island, the birthplace of the Chinese sea goddess Mazu in southeast China's Fujian Province, drew about 3.23 million tourist visits in 2025, surpassing 3 million for the first time as the destination shifts from quick temple stops to multi-day stays.
Mazu, born as Lin Mo on the island in 960, is worshipped as a protector of seafarers by more than 300 million followers worldwide. In 2009, UNESCO added "Mazu belief and customs" to its representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.