The goddess of the sea in Chinese folk religion is Mazu.
Mazu is the deified form of Lin Moniang, a woman traditionally said to have lived in Fujian during the 10th century. After her death, coastal communities revered her as a protective deity for fishermen, sailors, and other seafarers. Legends describe her rescuing people at sea and guiding boats through storms.
Her worship spread from China’s southeastern coast to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Southeast Asia, and overseas Chinese communities. Mazu is also known by titles such as Tianhou, meaning “Empress of Heaven,” and Tianfei, “Princess of Heaven.” Her temples remain important centers of pilgrimage and festival activity.
Mazu is sometimes confused with Guanyin because both may be worshipped in maritime communities and associated with compassion or rescue. They are distinct figures, however: Mazu is specifically a sea guardian, while Guanyin is a major Buddhist bodhisattva associated with mercy.