Meizhou Island and Guanghua Temple

Meizhou Island of Putian, Fujian Province is located in the northern half of the mouth of Meizhou Bay, about 1.8 nautical miles from the mainland and faces the Taiwan Straits to the southeast. Covering an area of six square miles, the island is swathed in luxuriant green foliage. The coastline, indented with over 12 miles of fine beaches, which is qualified to become a bathing beach resort.

With annual average temperature of 20C (68F), Meizhou Island is mild belonging to the typical sub-tropical oceanic monsoon climate. It presents a charming landscape endowed with blue sea and sky, golden beach and bright sunshine. There are over 20 scenic spots around the island.

More over, not only is the island endowed with beautiful vistas, but also has famous manmade landscape. As it is well known, Meizhou Island is the hometown of Chinese Goddess of the Sea – Mazu, and the birthplace of the Mazu Culture. Mazu, named Lin Mo as a baby; she was very intelligent and had both medical and navigational skills. In her short life, she both saved and blessed many fishermen and villagers alike. Deeply respecting her great compassion and high spirit, later generations built a commemorative temple dedicating it to her upon Meiyu Peak. Today, the temple is vibrant with worshippers who come for Mazus’ blessing. The statue of Mazu, looking amiable and graceful, still stands beside the sea, blessing her descendant’s safety and happiness.