Holiday in Putian

About Putian

Putian is the birthplace of the Mazu goddess — the most powerful protector of seafarers in Chinese culture, revered by over 300 million believers worldwide. The coastal city in Fujian province combines religious significance, spectacular island landscapes, and a distinct culture that extends far beyond the borders of China. Meizhou Island, 14 km off the coast, is the spiritual center of the Mazu faith: Here, Lin Moniang was born in 960, a young woman who, according to legend, possessed supernatural powers to save fishermen from storms. After her early death, she was deified as Mazu (Heavenly Princess). The Mazu temple complex on Meizhou is the most important shrine among over 10,000 Mazu temples in 46 countries. The annual Mazu Festival in March/April attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across Southeast Asia. The Mazu statue at the summit of the island is 42.3 meters tall, making it the largest Mazu statue in the world: It overlooks the Taiwan Strait and symbolizes the protection of all seafarers. The island also offers beautiful sandy beaches, granite cliffs, and traditional fishing villages. The Guanghua monastery complex (Guanghua Si) in mainland Putian is one of the largest Buddhist temples in southern China: The 1,400-year-old complex impresses with its expansive architecture, a collection of over 30,000 Buddhist scriptures, and tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Putian's old town preserves the Puxian culture — a distinct subculture of Fujian with its own language (Puxian Min), its own opera (Puxian Xi, UNESCO World Heritage), and unique traditions. Puxian opera is one of the oldest forms of opera in China and is performed in colorful costumes on temple stages.