Shunfenger, the Wind-Following Ear, is a divine scout in Chinese popular religion whose supernatural hearing reaches across immense distances. He is most often paired with Qianliyan, the Thousand-Li Eye. One listens while the other watches, allowing the two attendants to detect voices, prayers, danger, and movement beyond ordinary human range.
In the widespread Mazu tradition, Shunfenger and Qianliyan stand before the sea goddess as guardians and advance scouts. Temple processions carry their figures near Mazu’s palanquin, making their work visible as they survey the route and receive the needs of worshippers. Other divine-general assemblies may place the pair beside martial protectors such as Huaguang Dadi, but their fixed partnership with each other remains the clearest element.
Sculpture and religious painting commonly give Shunfenger a strong guardian’s body, vivid complexion, armor, and a listening gesture with one hand cupped to the ear. That pose separates him immediately from Qianliyan, whose hand rises toward the eyes. Shunfenger does not require a private battle story or invented weapon: extraordinary hearing, alert posture, and service beside his visual partner already explain how he acts and why communities recognize him.
