“Before there was Shanwei Port there was the Fengshan Temple.” These words by Huang Sheng, a prominent social activist, highlight the historical significance of this site. Right before us stands a testament to faith and art. This is the \u201c\u51e4\u5c71\u7956\u5e99\u65c5\u6e38\u533a\u201d\u77f3\u523b Sculpture.
The \u201c\u51e4\u5c71\u7956\u5e99\u65c5\u6e38\u533a\u201d\u77f3\u523b Sculpture is more than just a stone carving. It is a symbol of Shanwei. It represents the deep-rooted Mazu culture. The \u201c\u51e4\u5c71\u7956\u5e99\u65c5\u6e38\u533a\u201d\u77f3\u523b Sculpture is a towering Mazu statue.
Completed in 1994, the \u201c\u51e4\u5c71\u7956\u5e99\u65c5\u6e38\u533a\u201d\u77f3\u523b Sculpture stands 16.83 meters high. It weighs approximately 1,000 tons. This artwork consists of 468 blocks of high-quality granite. The granite came from Mazu’s hometown in Fujian. The \u201c\u51e4\u5c71\u7956\u5e99\u65c5\u6e38\u533a\u201d\u77f3\u523b Sculpture rests on 56 steel piles. The piles go 17 meters deep. These 56 piles symbolize the 56 ethnic groups of China. They represent unity and stability. The \u201c\u51e4\u5c71\u7956\u5e99\u65c5\u6e38\u533a\u201d\u77f3\u523b Sculpture can withstand a typhoon. It is built to withstand earthquakes too.
Look closely at the \u201c\u51e4\u5c71\u7956\u5e99\u65c5\u6e38\u533a\u201d\u77f3\u523b Sculpture. Notice the inscription “Tianhou Shengmu”. This translates to “Holy Mother”. The famous writer Bing Xin wrote these four characters. People admire this inscription calling it “Bing Xin Stone”.
Since its construction, the \u201c\u51e4\u5c71\u7956\u5e99\u65c5\u6e38\u533a\u201d\u77f3\u523b Sculpture has brought good fortune. Shanwei has not suffered a direct typhoon strike. Locals believe Mazu protects them. Millions of tourists visit this place every year. They admire its artistic value. They appreciate its cultural importance. The \u201c\u51e4\u5c71\u7956\u5e99\u65c5\u6e38\u533a\u201d\u77f3\u523b Sculpture embodies dignity. It radiates vitality. It brings a sense of peace. It connects the divine with humanity.
Beyond the sculpture, the \u201c\u51e4\u5c71\u7956\u5e99\u65c5\u6e38\u533a\u201d\u77f3\u523b Sculpture contributes to the scenic beauty. Fengshan is shaped like a phoenix spreading its wings. It faces the vast sea.
As you stand here, take in the sight of \u201c\u51e4\u5c71\u7956\u5e99\u65c5\u6e38\u533a\u201d\u77f3\u523b Sculpture. It is a symbol of hope. It is a guardian of seafarers. It is a masterpiece of art. It represents the spirit of Shanwei. May the Holy Mother bless you with peace and well-being.