Renowned actress Liu Tao gifts longevity peaches to the Mazu statue on April 19 on the goddess' birthday. [Photo provided for chinadaily.com.cn]

Renowned actress Liu Tao appeared in classical attire on Meizhou Island in Putian, Fujian province, on April 20 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 April 19. 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.