A character of folk tales, the Goddess of the Sea, or Mazhu, is a popular deity in coastal Asian regions. Believed to be the protector of sailors, fishermen and the coast, Mazhu’s birthday is tomorrow – falling on March 23 in the lunar calendar (April 29 in the Gregorian Calander). Commemorations will occur across Asia (and the world, to a lesser extent) and, luckily for us PRD residents, Guangzhou is no exception – with festivities being hosted at the Nansha Tianhou Temple.
The largest Mazhu temple in the region, the Nansha Tianhou Temple will host a number of activities, shows and parades to revel the goddess’s special day. This year’s celebration is being hosted by Nansha District’s government and will run from today until May 1.
READ MORE: Daytripper: Nansha Tin Hau Palace
The four-day celebration will feature a number of cultural rituals, including a dance that’s recognized as one of China’s intangible cultural heritage traditions, dragon and lion dances, a dance and musical performance by over 200 talented boys and girls and a selection of local seafood. 
While people in other regions of China often complain we suffer from a lack of culture in the PRD, that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you’re beginning to feel the drain of noisy, stinky and mundane city life, then take a trip to Nansha this weekend – it will be a phenomenal (though a bit noisy) chance to observe some Lingnan customs and folklore. 
How to get there:
Take Guangzhou Metro Line 4 to Jinzhou Station and then take Nansha bus No. 4 to the east gate of Tin Hau Palace. Alternatively, hop on the back of a moto-scooter at Jinzhou Station and ride to the temple in style! (Cost for a scooter from the metro to the temple should average around RMB20.)
[Images via NewsGD]
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