Mazu, also known as Tianfei or Tianhou (Queen of Heaven), or Goddess of Heaven, is a sea goddess in ancient Chinese mythology. The term “Mazu” was originally a respectful title given by the people of Fujian Province to their mothers, and later became a title commonly believed in by the people of coastal areas as a sea goddess.

The Mazu faith originated in the Song Dynasty and spread throughout the southeast coast area. It is a goddess of protection for the sea believed by residents near rivers, lakes, and seas. It is a product of the era of wooden sailboats in China’s shipping history and an important representative of the Southeast Ocean culture.

As an important port on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Ningbo is not only one of the earliest areas where Mazu culture was introduced, but also has an inseparable relationship with the official recognition of Mazu.

With a nearly 800-year history, the Tianfei Palace is an important historic and cultural venue of the city, as well as an important witness to the research on various aspects of trade, shipping, and commercial activities in Ningbo since the Southern Song Dynasty. It is also a textual research material for studying the folk customs and beliefs of the eastern Zhejiang area.