Renowned actress Liu Tao appeared in classical attire on Meizhou Island in Putian, Fujian province, on Sunday to join the celebration of the birth anniversary of Mazu, the sea deity worshiped in the coast she once portrayed in a TV drama.

Liu, 46, was named the global ambassador for Mazu culture promotion on Saturday. She is seen by netizens as a living Mazu for her role as the goddess in the hit TV series broadcast in 2013. When filming the role in Meizhou, she had previously visited Mazu temple to pray for blessings.