The Ultimate 2026 Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage Guide: Pink Supercar Sets Off on 12 April – How 450,000 Devotees Can Join the Walk, Transport & Tips

Right then, folks – if you’re out and about and suddenly see hundreds of thousands of people flooding the Tongxiao area of Miaoli, don’t panic. It’s not some mass migration; it’s our annual religious highlight – the Baishatun Mazu徒步 pilgrimage – back again!

Honestly, my Facebook feed has been taken over by Mazu these past two days. This year’s turnout is no joke – as registration closed, the numbers smashed through 460,000. Compared to last year’s 320,000-odd, that’s a jump of nearly 130,000, a growth rate that would make TSMC jealous. Everyone’s asking: how do you follow this most individualistic of Mazu statues this year? Don’t worry – this old hand has put together a proper "Baishatun Mazu guide". Read it through, and you’ll go from newbie to a fully-fledged devotee ready to hit the road.

Departure late on 12 April! Three Mazu 'teammates' this year

First, jot down this year’s schedule so you don’t sleep through Mazu already passing Taichung. The palanquin departs at 11:55 PM on Sunday, 12 April. A quick tip for first-timers: the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage has no fixed route. The palanquin bearers follow divine will, so the so-called 'Pink Supercar' (the palanquin) could make a sharp turn at any moment – that’s precisely what makes it so captivating.

There’s another huge highlight this year. In the past, the palanquin mainly carried Mazu from Baishatun and Mazu from Shanbian. This year, they’ve specially invited the 'Yearly Cauldron Master Mazu' to join. What does that mean? Three Mazu statues will set off together inside the palanquin! This is a historic moment – no wonder everyone says the spiritual energy this year is especially strong and you absolutely must go to 'walk with the gods'.

Transport guide! TRA and THSR add record-breaking services

With 460,000 people crammed onto the roads from Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua to Yunlin, transport could be a nightmare if not handled well. But this year the Ministry of Transport has stepped up – their crowd management plan has even been liked and shared by the social media admins of Gongtian Temple and Chaotian Temple, who called it the 'best guide ever'.

If you plan to drive, I’d advise you to give up the steering wheel altogether. This year, the TRA (Taiwan Railways) is going all out, adding 160 extra local services – a 108.7% capacity boost on the coastal line. Even Chu-Kuang express trains are making unscheduled stops at Baishatun Station. The THSR (high-speed rail) isn’t idle either, adding 10 extra services and increasing hourly stops at Miaoli and Chiayi stations to match pilgrimage times.

To make sure you don’t get lost, here’s the key shuttle bus info – the essence of a 'how to use Baishatun Mazu' transport guide:

• Departure day (12 April) and return day (20 April): Direct shuttles run from THSR Miaoli Station to Gongtian Temple, roughly every 10 minutes. Tickets cost just 50 NTD (25 NTD half-price) – cheap and easy.
• Arrival in Beigang day (16 April): Whether you arrive at THSR Chiayi Station or TRA Chiayi Station, there are shuttles straight to Chaotian Temple, running every 10-15 minutes.
• Handy tool: Download the 'Baishatun Mazu' App or GPS tracking system to keep tabs on where the Pink Supercar is – otherwise you might end up going straight while Mazu turns left.

First-timer essentials: gear and taboos for 'incense-foot devotees'

Lots of people message me: 'Is it really tough for a first-timer?' Well, duh – it’s a 400km round-trip forced march, so yes, it’s tough. But with proper preparation, Mazu will watch over you.

Based on years of walking experience, here’s a 'Baishatun Mazu review'-level packing list – follow it and you won’t go wrong:

• Footwear is key: Don’t wear new shoes! Wear that beaten-up, perfectly broken-in pair of old trainers. Toe socks are essential to prevent blisters from toe friction. Bring a tub of Vaseline too – apply it to your inner thighs to prevent chafing.
• Sleeping arrangements: Be mentally prepared to sleep anywhere. You might end up in a pilgrim dorm, a school hall, or even a roadside arcade. A sleeping bag or ground mat is your lifesaver.
• Must-have small items: Power bank (you can’t track GPS without your phone), light rain poncho (more practical than an umbrella), and most importantly – reusable cutlery. Countless kind-hearted locals will hand out food along the way – it’s about experiencing generosity. But don’t waste it; take only what you can eat.

Know these 'subtleties' for a smoother walk

Being an 'incense-foot devotee' comes with rules. If you’ve registered, keep your armband or cap with you – that’s your badge of Mazu’s recognition.

First, if it’s your first time, tradition suggests eating vegetarian or just a vegetarian breakfast for three days to purify body, speech and mind. On the road, if you see Mazu’s palanquin, incense basket or head banner, never touch them – maintain a respectful distance. Also, that 'pilgrimage banner' you carry, weathered with years of use, is sacred. Never take it into a toilet. Remember to 'mount the horse' (announce your intention) and 'dismount' (give thanks) properly.

This year’s registration numbers hit a record high. How long is a procession of 460,000 people? I’ll tell you – it’s a sea of humanity. But that’s the most beautiful part of Taiwan’s local spirit: everyone together, no matter who you are, just to walk a stretch with Mazu. Whether you’re seeking peace, health, or simply testing your own limits, late on the night of 12 April – see you in Baishatun!