Matsu Religious and Cultural Park Opens: 30-Meter Mazu Giant Statue "Riding the Waves"

▲ The Matsu "Mazu Religious and Cultural Park" officially opened today, with the nearly 30-meter-tall Mazu giant statue standing solemnly. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Matsu Dispatch

The "Matsu Religious and Cultural Park," built with an investment of NT$240 million in the Matsu region, was officially opened this morning (13th) in Nangan Township, Matsu, accompanied by a lively ribbon-cutting ceremony and the sacred and solemn autumn "Mazu Ascension Festival in Matsu." The nearly 30-meter-tall giant Mazu statue, riding on a boat-shaped structure, majestically stands within the 3-hectare park, marking a new chapter in Matsu's religious tourism.

The "Matsu Religious and Cultural Park" includes the Tianhou Temple, the Mazu giant statue, the Qianmen Mountain Tunnel, the pilgrimage trail, and the surrounding Magang commercial area. The pilgrimage trail, built along the mountainside, features a staircase with as many as 440 steps, which is regarded by believers as a must-visit path when making a pilgrimage to the Tianhou Temple. Along the way, the coastal scenery is captivating. Upon reaching the boat-shaped structure, visitors can not only get up close to the 9.6-meter-tall Mazu giant statue, made from 365 stones, but also enjoy the vast view of the eroded coastline and fishing boats sailing on the sea.



▲ The 40-step coastal trail allows worshippers to enjoy the ocean view while walking. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)



Vice Premier Mao Chi-kuo and Minister of Transportation Yeh Kuang-shih also personally attended the entire ceremony. Mao Chi-kuo stated that Matsu was named after Mazu, which holds extraordinary significance for the entire region. The official opening of the religious and cultural park marks a new starting point, symbolizing the showcasing of Chinese culture and Mazu belief culture. Yeh Kuang-shih also said that with the park's opening, worshippers visiting the Tianhou Temple can follow the coastal trail to pay homage to Mazu, bringing Matsu's religious faith into the tourism industry.

 
▲ After the opening ceremony of the Matsu Mazu Religious and Cultural Park, the "Mazu Ascension Festival" was held immediately, with Vice Premier Mao Chi-kuo serving as the chief officiant. The scene was solemn and grand. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)


▲ Mazu is the most revered and sacred guardian for the Matsu region. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)