The statue of Mazu, the famous Taoist and Chinese Buddhist goddess of sea, "sits" on a first class seat of a bullet train from Putian to Kunshan, East China's Jiangsu Province on Friday. Photo: Screenshot of video by Pear Video

Airline passengers must have been surprised when a two-meter-plus-tall statue of the legendary Chinese sea goddess Mazu boarded their flight on Thursday. 

The statue of Mazu was carried onto the aircraft in a sedan chair for the flight from Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province to Bangkok, Thailand, Xinhua News Agency reported. 

The statue of Mazu, dressed in flowing gold and red silks and a one-meter-tall headdress, passed through security checks with her own ticket, which also had her own ID number, according to numerous videos  posted online.

Her ID number indicates she was born in Putian, Fujian Province and the numbers 0960..323 show she was born in the year 960 on March 23.

Netizens applauded the attention to detail for the native goddess and many wished they too could travel with the guardian of the sea.

In 2009, Mazu was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Mazu is the deified form of a devoted young woman named Lin Mo, who lived in the tenth century, and dedicated herself to helping those in need. 

She died attempting to rescue shipwreck victims.

Inspired by Mazu's dedication, followers believe Mazu can bring them peace, fortune and good luck. It is estimated there are more than 300 million followers of  Mazu around the world.

The statue is participating in a  China-Thailand Mazu cultural week.

Global Times