The Mazu of Baishatun Acts as Your Tour Guide: Follow the Pilgrimage Foot Journey Across Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel & Lifestyle Network Editorial Team
 

Every year, the foot pilgrimage of Mazu from Gongtian Temple in Baishatun to Chaotian Temple in Beigang, Yunlin, attracts thousands of devotees. In 2015, the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage began at 00:05 on May 22 and arrived at Chaotian Temple in Beigang before noon the next day. The journey lasted seven days and six nights, covering a round-trip distance of over 400 kilometers on foot, testing the faith and endurance of the pilgrims.

Baishatun is a coastal town along the western trunk railway line, nestled between mountains and sea. Like many other coastal communities in Taiwan, the pioneering settlers who made a living from the sea worshipped Mazu as their guardian deity, inspiring them to endure hardship and persevere in making a living. The tradition of Baishatun Mazu’s pilgrimage to Chaotian Temple in Beigang has a history of over a hundred years, making it the longest-standing, longest-distance, and most uniquely unpredictable foot pilgrimage among Mazu worship activities in Taiwan.

Starting from Gongtian Temple in Baishatun and ending at Chaotian Temple in Beigang County, Yunlin, the entire route is led by Mazu herself—there is no pre-planned itinerary or designated rest stops. No one knows where the journey will head next, allowing pilgrims to discover parts of Taiwan they may have never seen before. The route spans from Miaoli to Yunlin County, crossing the Da’an River, Dajia River, Dadu River, and Zhuoshui River. It is longer than the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage route, yet takes two fewer days to complete, making the schedule even more intensive. Additionally, to help pilgrims keep up with the unpredictable route of the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage, the temple provides a live broadcast service and GPS tracking via its official website. With a mobile device, followers can track Mazu’s movements in real time.