Mazu's Sea and Wind

On the morning of Sunday, October 27, 2024, my little cousin and I once again took the high-speed train from Fuzhou. Thirty minutes later, we arrived in Putian. This coastal city is so understated that it is often overlooked by travelers. Yet, it holds a spiritual island—Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu in the hearts of countless people. Heading from the city center to the Meizhou Island pier, the sea breeze gradually rolled in, and my heart began to relax. As we boarded the boat and crossed the sea, the island appeared faintly through the morning mist, as if it were a place guarded by divine beings. Our first stop was the island's most iconic landmark, Meizhou Tianhou Temple. This is the world's first Mazu temple and a sacred site for Mazu believers worldwide. In front of the temple, incense burned vigorously, and worshippers came and went, young and old, from all corners of the world. The statue of Mazu sat quietly atop the mountain, her expression compassionate and solemn, prompting visitors to lower their voices and slow their steps. Though I am not a devout believer, I was still moved by the faith reflected in the eyes of the people around me. The curling incense smoke seemed to carry the hopes of millions for peace and home. Leaving Tianhou Temple, we walked along the seaside toward the overwater boardwalk. This is a long corridor built above the sea, with the deep blue ocean on one side and cliffs adorned with greenery on the other. Walking along it felt like floating between heaven and earth. The sea breeze tousled our hair but also swept away the daily clutter in our minds. Soon, we arrived at the legendary Feiji Cave, one of the island's most mysterious spots. This natural sea-eroded cave is hidden among the rocks. During high tide, waves rush into the cave, creating deep "dong dong" sounds, reminiscent of an army charging or the echoes of Mazu subduing demons in the raging sea. Standing at the cave entrance, listening to the tides, a sense of awe arose. Nature's sounds can indeed be so majestic. We continued onward to the island's most colorful path—the Rainbow Road. The vibrant, painted walkway seemed straight out of a comic book, winding upward with flowers and greenery planted on both sides. Many visitors stopped here to take photos. The entire road felt designed for joy. At the end of the path, looking back at Meizhou Island, you could see Tianhou Temple, the coastline, the pier, and the white pagoda all in one view. If time permits, don't miss the sound of the tides at Meiyu Chaoyin. It's a rhythm you can only hear by the sea, like the heartbeat of the earth. Nearby, there are ancient temples and stone tablets worth exploring at a leisurely pace. Before dusk, we boarded the boat to leave the island. The sunset painted the sea golden. Looking back at Meizhou Island from afar, it resembled a ship quietly anchored in faith. In this brief day, I came to understand what it means to feel "peace in the heart, peace everywhere." On the return train, I flipped through the photos taken today. Behind every image was a quiet, flowing sense of emotion. Meizhou Island is not a tourist attraction but a gentle reminder: some places are not meant for "fun" but for "rediscovering yourself."