Qianliyan, the Thousand-Li Eye, is a divine scout in Chinese popular religion whose supernatural sight detects people and events at immense distance. He is normally paired with Shunfenger, whose extraordinary hearing complements his vision. Together they watch and listen for danger, prayers, and movement beyond ordinary human reach.
In the widely established Mazu tradition, the pair serve before the sea goddess as guardians and advance scouts. Processional figures often give Qianliyan an alert martial body, vivid complexion, armor, and a hand raised toward the eyes in a searching gesture. Temple processions place the two attendants near Mazu so their complementary senses visibly precede her arrival. His identity rests on this specific power and partnership: he sees what others cannot, while Shunfenger hears it, allowing the pair to survey the world for the deity they attend.
