Global Gathering in Putian

The 11th Global Mazu Culture Forum is scheduled to take place in Putian, located in southeast China's Fujian Province. Running from October 31 to November 2, the event represents a major international gathering focused on cultural exchange, maritime cooperation, and ecological preservation. The forum will feature a main forum, 10 thematic forums, and supporting events, utilizing 13 additional venues to accommodate its extensive programming.

Reflecting the global reach of Mazu culture, overseas guests from 47 countries and regions are expected to participate. The event serves as a platform for both cultural diplomacy and scientific collaboration, bridging traditional heritage with modern technological solutions for global challenges.

Open-Source Ocean Modeling and Meteorological Cooperation

A key highlight of the forum is the intersection of cultural heritage and advanced marine science. The event will host the unveiling of version 2.0 of the Mass Conservation Ocean Model (MaCOM). Developed independently by China, this advanced model will be made open-source worldwide, offering a shared tool for global oceanographic research and coastal protection.

In addition to the software release, the forum will emphasize international meteorological cooperation through concrete initiatives:

  • An official ceremony will be held to hand over an integrated smart terminal for China's MAZU meteorological early warning solution to Sri Lanka.
  • The inaugural Mazu scholarships will be awarded to support the training of meteorological professionals worldwide, fostering capacity-building in vulnerable coastal regions.

The deployment of the MAZU early warning solution has already seen significant international adoption. As of October 2026, the system has been deployed in eight countries, including Pakistan, Ethiopia, and the Solomon Islands. Furthermore, more than 50 other countries are currently accessing the early warning solution through a dedicated cloud platform, according to Chinese meteorological authorities.

Transnational Cultural Exchanges and Academic Initiatives

The influence of Mazu culture extends far beyond East Asia, as evidenced by dedicated international events linked to the forum. A sub-forum will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, focusing specifically on Mazu culture and China-Brazil cultural exchanges. This sub-forum will highlight:

  • The presentation of legislative outcomes from Sao Paulo concerning Mazu Day, reflecting the formal recognition of this cultural heritage in South America.
  • The release of a new initiative focused on academic exchanges concerning Mazu culture and maritime civilization, aiming to deepen research collaboration between Chinese and Brazilian scholars.

Ecological Conservation and the Marine Economy

The thematic forums scheduled during the event will address critical contemporary issues, linking traditional maritime culture with sustainable development. Discussions will cover the marine economy, ecological conservation, and women's development.

Key publications and frameworks to be released or advanced during these sessions include:

  • The 2026 report on China's maritime culture, providing a comprehensive overview of cultural trends and historical research.
  • A white paper on green, high-quality island development, outlining strategies for sustainable coastal and island management.
  • A framework agreement on mangrove conservation and restoration, aiming to protect vital coastal ecosystems.
  • The establishment of a dedicated Mazu protection fund to support ongoing preservation efforts.

Cultural Celebrations and Public Showcases

Alongside the academic and scientific forums, the 28th Meizhou Mazu Cultural Tourism Festival will take place, offering public showcases of traditional practices. For the first time, the opening ceremony of the festival will be broadcast live worldwide, allowing global audiences to witness Mazu sacrificial rituals, which are recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage item.

Additionally, the cultural program features the world premiere of the original dance drama Mazu in Putian, providing a modern artistic interpretation of the historical and spiritual legacy that continues to connect communities across oceans.