2026 Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage: The Ultimate Guide! The Pink Supercar Sets Off on 12 April – Everything You Need to Know for 450,000 Pilgrims, Transport & Tips

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

Honestly, my Facebook feed has been flooded with posts about Mazu these past two days. The crowd this year is no joke. By the time registration closed, the number had smashed through the 460,000 mark! Compared to last year’s 320,000 or so, that’s a direct surge of nearly 130,000 people – a rise more dramatic than a stock market rally. Everyone’s asking: this Mazu, known as the most characterful in all of Taiwan, what’s the best way to follow her this year? Don’t worry, this local old hand has put together a proper “Baishatun Mazu guide” for you. After reading, you’ll graduate from newbie status and hit the road as a qualified pilgrim.

Setting off late on 12 April! This year’s procession has three divine companions

First, note the dates so you’re not still asleep while Mazu has already dashed past Taichung. The departure time is 11:55pm on Sunday, 12 April. A quick tip for first-timers: the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage has no fixed route. The sedan chair bearers sense the deity’s will, so the palanquin – nicknamed the “Pink Supercar” – could make a sharp turn at any moment. That’s exactly what makes her so captivating.

There’s another major highlight this year. In the past, the palanquin mainly carried Baishatun Mazu and Shanbian Mazu together. This year, they have specially invited the “Yearly Incense-Lord 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 – you absolutely must go to “walk with the gods”.

Transport guide! TRA and HSR add extra services – the strongest ever

With 460,000 people all crammed onto the roads from Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua to Yunlin, if transport isn’t handled well, it will be a nightmare. But this year the Ministry of Transportation has really stepped up. Their traffic plan has even been liked and shared by the social media editors of Gongtian Temple and Chaotian Temple, who called it “the strongest guide ever”.

If you’re planning to drive, I suggest you forget about getting behind the wheel. This year the TRA is going all out, adding 160 extra local train services, with capacity on the coastal line up by 108.7%. At Baishatun Station specifically, even Chu-kuang Express trains are making an unscheduled stop. The HSR isn’t idle either, adding 10 extra services and scheduling extra hourly stops at Miaoli and Chiayi stations to match pilgrimage times.

To make sure you don’t get lost, here are the most important shuttle bus details – the essence of the “how to use Baishatun Mazu” transport strategy:

• Departure day (12 April) and Return day (20 April): Direct shuttle buses from HSR Miaoli Station to Gongtian Temple, running about every 10 minutes. Tickets only 50 NTD (half fare 25 NTD) – cheap and convenient.
• Arrival at Beigang day (16 April): Whether you take the HSR to Chiayi Station or the TRA to Chiayi Station, there are shuttle buses straight to Chaotian Temple, running every 10-15 minutes.
• Handy tool: Don’t forget to download the “Baishatun Mazu” app or GPS tracking system, so you always know where the Pink Supercar is – and avoid the tragedy of “Mazu turns left while you go straight”.

Must-read for beginners: gear and taboos for a “pilgrim”

Lots of people have messaged me asking: “First time joining – is it really tough?” Well of course it is – a 400km round-trip forced march – so yes, it’s tough! But if you prepare well, Mazu will look after you.

Based on my years of walking experience, here’s a packing list of “Baishatun Mazu review” standard – follow it and you won’t go wrong:

• Your feet matter most: Never wear new shoes! Wear that old, broken-in pair you’ve almost worn to pieces. You absolutely need toe socks to prevent blisters between your toes, plus a tub of Vaseline for your inner thighs to prevent chafing.
• Sleeping arrangements: Be mentally prepared to sleep anywhere – pilgrim dormitories, school halls, or even a roadside arcade. A sleeping bag or camping mat is your lifesaver.
• Essential small items: Power bank (you can’t track GPS without your phone), lightweight rain poncho (more practical than an umbrella), and most importantly – reusable cutlery. Along the way, countless kind locals will hand out food – this is part of the “experience of generosity” – but don’t waste it; take only what you can eat.

Know these tips and etiquettes for a smoother journey

Being a pilgrim comes with rules. If you’ve registered, remember to carry the armband or hat issued with your registration – it’s your mark of being recognised by Mazu.

First, if it’s your first time, tradition suggests going vegetarian or eating only a vegetarian breakfast for three days to purify body, speech and mind. When you see Mazu’s palanquin, incense carriers or the head banner on the road, never touch them – keep a respectful distance. Also, that weathered “pilgrimage banner” you carry is sacred – never take it into the toilet. Remember to “mount the horse” (announce your start) with respect and “dismount” (give thanks) at the end of each day.

This year’s registration numbers hit a record high. How long is a procession of 460,000 people? I’ll tell you – it’s an absolute sea of humanity. But that’s the best part of Taiwanese hospitality: everyone, regardless of background, comes together just to accompany Mazu on a stretch of her journey. Whether you’re seeking peace, health, or simply wanting to test your own limits – late on the night of 12 April, we’ll see you in Baishatun!