Mazu culture forum to be held in east China

FUZHOU, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The 4th Global Mazu Culture Forum will be held from Oct. 31 to Nov.2 in Meizhou Island in Putian City, east China's Fujian Province, according to the organizer.

The worshipping of the Chinese sea goddess Mazu is a folk custom prevalent along China's southeastern coast. Mazu belief and customs have been inscribed on UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Featuring the themes of Mazu culture, maritime civilization and cultural exchanges, the three-day event will have 50 activities scheduled, including an opening ceremony and the main forum.

The 21st Meizhou Mazu Cultural Tourism Festival will be concurrently held on the island, which will include a Mazu culture show, cultural tourism promotion conference and other activities.

The previous Mazu culture forums have attracted participants from more than 60 countries and regions.

"Mazu culture is the spiritual bond between overseas Chinese and the motherland, and we should strengthen the protection of cultural resources to promote mutual understanding and the development of civilization," said Wu Guifang, head of the publicity department of the Putian Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China.