2026 Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage: The Ultimate Guide! 'Pink Supercar' Departs on April 12 – Tips for 450,000 Devotees & Transport Info

Hey folks, if you've noticed tens of thousands of people suddenly flooding the Tongxiao area in Miaoli recently, don't panic. It's not some mass migration – it's our annual religious spectacle: the Baishatun Mazu徒步 pilgrimage, back again!

Seriously, my Facebook feed has been completely taken over by Mazu over the past couple of days. The crowd this year is no joke. As of the registration deadline, the numbers have crossed the 460,000 mark! Compared to last year's 320,000, that's a massive jump of nearly 130,000 people – a growth rate that would make any stock trader jealous. Everyone's asking: how do you follow this most unconventional Mazu in all of Taiwan this year? Don't worry. As a local who's been around, I've put together this Baishatun Mazu guide. Read it through, and you'll go from a complete newbie to a qualified devotee ready to hit the road.

Sets off late on April 12! This year's pilgrimage has three divine companions

First, mark the schedule so you don't sleep through Mazu passing by Taichung. The departure is at 11:55 PM on Sunday, April 12. A quick tip for first-timers: Baishatun Mazu has no fixed route. The palanquin bearers sense the deity's will, so the so-called 'Pink Supercar' palanquin could make a sharp turn any moment – that's what makes it so fascinating.

Another huge highlight this year: in the past, the palanquin mainly carried Baishatun Mazu and Shanbian Mazu together. This year, the 'Yearly Incense-Lord Mazu' has been specially invited to join. What does that mean? Three Mazu statues will depart together inside the palanquin! This is a historic moment, no wonder everyone says the spiritual energy is especially strong this year – you absolutely have to go and 'walk with the divine'.

Transport guide! TRA and HSR add record-breaking services

With 460,000 people all converging on the roads from Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua to Yunlin, if transport isn't handled well, it'll be a nightmare. But this year, the Ministry of Transportation has stepped up big time. Their traffic 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're planning to drive, I strongly advise you to just forget about the steering wheel. This year, TRA is going all out, adding 160 local train services, increasing capacity on the coastal line by a whopping 108.7%. At Baishatun Station specifically, even Chu-kuang express trains are making an unscheduled stop. HSR isn't slacking either, adding 10 services and scheduling extra hourly stops at Miaoli and Chiayi stations to align with the pilgrimage times.

To make sure you don't get lost, here are the most important shuttle bus details – this is the core of the how to use Baishatun Mazu transport guide:

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

Must-read for newbies! Gear and taboos for 'devotees'

Lots of people have messaged me asking: 'First time joining – is it going to be really tough?' Obviously, it's a 400-km round-trip forced march, so yes, it's tough! But with enough preparation, Mazu will look after you.

Based on my years of experience walking the route, here's a packing list at the level of a Baishatun Mazu review. Follow it and you'll be fine:

• Foot care is paramount: Never wear new shoes! Wear that pair of old, broken-in sneakers that fit you perfectly. You absolutely need toe socks to prevent blisters between toes. Also pack a tub of Vaseline to rub on your inner thighs to prevent chafing.
• Sleeping arrangements: Be mentally prepared to sleep anywhere – pilgrim dormitories, school auditoriums, or even roadside arcades. A sleeping bag or mat is your lifesaver.
• Essential small items: Power bank (how else will you track the GPS?), lightweight rain poncho (more practical than an umbrella), and most importantly – reusable cutlery. Along the way, countless kind locals will hand out free food – this is part of the 'experience of generosity' – but don't waste it; take only what you can eat.

Know these 'subtle rules' for a smoother journey

Being a 'devotee' comes with certain customs. If you've registered, remember to wear the armband or hat you received – that's your mark of recognition by Mazu.

First, if it's your first time, traditionally it's recommended to eat vegetarian or maintain a morning vegetarian diet for three days to purify body, speech, and mind. When you see Mazu's palanquin, incense carrier, or head flag on the road, never touch them – maintain a respectful distance. Also, that 'pilgrimage flag' you carry, inscribed with years of devotion, is sacred. Never take it into the restroom. Remember to pay respects when you 'start the horse' (set off) and give thanks when you 'dismount' (stop for the day).

This year's registration numbers have hit a record high. How long is a procession of 460,000 people? Let me tell you – it's an absolute sea of humanity. But that's the most beautiful part of Taiwan's spirit of kindness. Everyone, regardless of background, comes together just to walk a stretch with Mazu. Whether you're seeking safety, health, or simply want to challenge your own limits – late on April 12, we'll see you in Baishatun!