People across both sides of the Taiwan Strait are worshipping a goddess called Chen Jinggu, a divine protector of women and children. (CNTV)

One paticipant said, "We share the same culture and same beliefs. I’d like to see more of such communication in the future. "

Another said, "The people across the Strait are united through this festival. It’s truly a great platform."

The worshipping of Chen Jinggu is said to have begun in the 11th century. There are more than 80 million believers in China and Southeast Asia and the tradition was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of worshippers around the world gather in the small county in the name of the goddess, praying for peace and prosperity.