2026 Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage: The Ultimate Guide! Pink Supercar Sets Off on 12 April – Everything 450,000 Devotees Need to Know About the Route and Transport

Hey everyone, if you happen to be near Tongxiao in Miaoli and suddenly see hundreds of thousands of people pouring in, don't panic. It's not some kind of mass migration – it's our annual religious highlight: the Baishatun Mazu徒步 pilgrimage, back again!

Honestly, my Facebook feed has been flooded with Mazu posts these past couple of days. The crowd this year is no joke. As of the registration deadline, numbers have smashed past 460,000! Compared to just over 320,000 last year, that's an increase of nearly 130,000 – a growth rate even TSMC would envy. Everyone's asking: this most unpredictable Mazu in all of Taiwan – how do you actually follow her this year? Don't worry. As a local old hand, I've put together this Baishatun Mazu guide for you. Read it and you'll go from total newbie to a fully qualified devotee ready to hit the road.

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

First, mark the schedule – otherwise you might still be asleep while Mazu has already sprinted 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 palanquin bearers follow divine inspiration, so the sedan chair – nicknamed the 'Pink Supercar' – could make a sharp turn at any moment. That's exactly what makes her so charming.

And here's a huge highlight this year. In the past, the palanquin mainly carried both Baishatun Mazu and Shanbian Mazu. This year, they have specially invited the 'Yearly Incense-Lit Mazu' to join them. 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 exceptionally strong – you absolutely have to go and 'walk with the gods'.

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

460,000 people all crammed onto the roads from Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua to Yunlin – if transport isn't handled properly, it'll be a nightmare. But the Ministry of Transportation has stepped up this year. 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 'strongest guide ever'.

If you're planning to drive, I strongly suggest you ditch the steering wheel. This year, the TRA is going all out, adding 160 local train services, increasing capacity on the coastal line by a whopping 108.7%. At Baishatun Station, not only local trains but even Chu-Kuang Express trains are making an extra stop. The HSR isn't slacking either – adding 10 services and stopping extra times every hour at Miaoli and Chiayi stations to match the pilgrimage schedule.

To make sure you don't get lost, I've listed the most important shuttle bus info for you. This is the essence of how to use the Baishatun Mazu transport guide:

• Departure day (12 April) and Return day (20 April): Direct shuttles run from HSR Miaoli Station to Gongtian Temple, about every 10 minutes. Tickets are only $50 (half price $25) – cheap and easy.
• Arrival in Beigang day (16 April): Whether you take the HSR to Chiayi Station or the TRA to Chiayi Station, there are shuttles taking you straight to Chaotian Temple, about 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 'incense-lamp feet' devotees

Lots of people have messaged me asking: 'Is it really tough for a first-timer?' Well duh, a 400km round-trip forced march – of course it's tough! But if you prepare well, Mazu will look after you.

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

• Foot care is priority one: Never wear new shoes! Wear that pair of old, beat-up sneakers that fit you perfectly. Toe socks are essential to prevent blisters from toe friction. Also bring a tub of Vaseline – apply to your inner thighs to prevent chafing.
• Sleeping arrangements: Be mentally prepared to sleep anywhere – pilgrim dormitories, school halls, even on a shop verandah. A sleeping bag or roll mat is your lifesaver.
• Essential small items: Power bank (you can't track GPS without your phone), lightweight raincoat (much more useful than an umbrella), and most importantly – reusable cutlery. Along the way, countless kind locals will hand out free food – it's called 'experiencing generosity'. But don't waste it; take only what you can eat.

Knowing these 'little details' will make your journey smoother

Being an 'incense-lamp foot' comes with rules. If you've already registered, remember to wear the armband or hat you were given – that's your official marker of Mazu's recognition.

First, if it's your first time, tradition suggests going vegetarian or eating only vegetarian before noon for three days to purify your body, speech, and mind. When you see Mazu's palanquin, incense basket, or head banner, never touch them – maintain a respectful distance. Also, that 'pilgrimage flag' you carry, worn with age, is a sacred object – never take it into the toilet. Remember to 'get on the horse' to pay your respects at the start and 'dismount' to give thanks at the end.

This year's registration numbers hit a record high. How long is a line 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 community spirit. People from all walks of life come together, just to walk a stretch with Mazu. Whether you're seeking peace, health, or simply wanting to push your own limits – late on 12 April, we'll see you in Baishatun!