A statue of the sea goddess Mazu. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Mazu's philosophy has become a spiritual link between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits and an important cultural symbol of the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

"The forum is of great significance for carrying forward Mazu's philosophy, promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, enhancing people's solidarity and promoting world peace," said Su Hui, chairperson of the central committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League.

Mazu beliefs and customs were inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, and its cultural impact has spread well beyond coastal areas in China across the world.