Taiwan Culture

Record Crowds in Miaoli as Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage Hits the Road

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By Ryan Wu/Bryn Thomas

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Hundreds of thousands of worshipers are crossing Taiwan’s western plains for the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage, one of East Asia’s largest religious events. The annual journey honors Mazu, Taiwan’s most revered goddess, and this year has drawn record-breaking crowds of over 200,000 to demonstrate devotion and seek blessings. Pilgrims walk up to 400 kilometers over a week, braving the sun, humidity and rain.

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Record Turnout for 2025 Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage 

A record-breaking 200,000 registered pilgrims have set out from central Taiwan for the 2025 Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage, one of the largest and most iconic religious events in Asia. The massive crowd gathered in Miaoli County on Thursday night, marking the start of a journey that will take some participants more than 400 kilometers on foot. 

Held annually to honor Mazu, Taiwan’s revered goddess of the sea, the pilgrimage stretches from Gongtian Temple in Miaoli to Chaotian Temple in Yunlin, and back again. Worshipers take part to demonstrate devotion, seek blessings or give thanks. The trek—lasting just over a week—demands both physical endurance and spiritual commitment. 

One pilgrim, Mr. Fu, described the emotional connection he feels through the ritual. “Our connection with [Mazu] has grown stronger. I believe that everyone has some touching moments in their hearts, including myself, in both work and life. I feel that Mazu brings us great emotional inspiration,” he said. 

This year’s pilgrimage has seen an unprecedented number of participants, continuing a sharp rise in interest over the past decade. In 2010, only 5,000 people officially registered. That figure grew to 180,000 last year and has now climbed past 200,000. 

The Baishatun pilgrimage is one of two major annual processions celebrating Mazu’s birthday. It is considered the more physically demanding of the two, with some followers walking day and night across plains, through towns, and along rural backroads. Many sleep outdoors and endure Taiwan’s fluctuating spring weather. 

Ms. Li, another follower, said the act of walking with Mazu allows her to find inner peace. “When following Mazu, your soul can calm down,” she said. 

Mr. Fu, who has completed the journey before, recalled the physical toll it took. “When I did the trek last year, I think the hardest part was the blisters on my feet,” he said. To avoid the same discomfort this year, he came up with an unusual solution. “This time, I put sanitary pads [in my shoes]. I believe it will go smoothly.” 

The draw of the pilgrimage is strong even for newcomers. Ms. Chang, participating for the first time, said she was curious about how a single temple could attract such large crowds. “This is my first time attending,” she said. “I want to experience the feeling—why a temple can attract around 320,000 pilgrims. Where does its power lie? Does it bring peace or growth to those dedicated to taking part together?” 

As Mazu’s palanquin was about to begin the journey south, pilgrims packed the streets around Gongtian Temple, hoping for a glimpse. The growing crowds have begun to strain local infrastructure, with remote villages along the route bracing for a record influx of travelers. 

For many, the pilgrimage is not only a personal test of endurance, but a reaffirmation of cultural heritage and community spirit.