2026 Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage Ultimate Guide! Pink Supercar Sets Off on 12 April, 450k Devotees – Everything You Need to Know & Transport Tips

Hey everyone, if you've been out and about lately and noticed a sudden influx of hundreds of thousands of people around Tongxiao, Miaoli – don't panic. It's not some mass migration scene. It's our annual religious highlight – the Baishatun Mazu徒步 pilgrimage, back again!

Seriously lah, my Facebook feed has been flooded with Mazu posts these two days. The crowd this year is no joke. As of registration closing, numbers have smashed past 460,000! Compared to last year's 320k-plus, that's a direct surge of nearly 130,000 people – that's a steeper rise than TSMC shares. Everyone's asking: how do we follow this most unique Mazu in all of Taiwan this year? No worries. This local old bird has put together the ultimate "Baishatun Mazu guide" for you. Read it, and you'll graduate from newbie to a fully qualified devotee ready to hit the road.

Sets off late night on 12 April! Three 'divine teammates' this year

First, mark down this year's schedule, or you might still be sleeping while Mazu has already run 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. It all depends on the palanquin bearers sensing the deity's will. So the sedan chair – nicknamed the "Pink Supercar" – could make a sharp turn anytime. That's precisely what makes it so fascinating.

Another super highlight this year: In the past, the palanquin mainly carried Baishatun Mazu and Shanbian Mazu together. This year, they've specially invited the "Yearly Incense-Lord Mazu" to join. What does that mean? Three Mazu deities will set off 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 gods".

Transport Guide! TRA and HSR add extra services – strongest ever

460,000 people all squeezing onto the roads from Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua to Yunlin. If the transport isn't handled well, it'll be a nightmare. But this year the Ministry of Transportation is on the ball. Their crowd management plan got likes and shares from even the social media admins of Gongtian Temple and Chaotian Temple, who called it the "strongest guide ever".

If you're a driver, I suggest you just forget about the steering wheel. This year, the TRA is going all out, adding 160 extra local train services, with a 108.7% capacity increase on the coastal line. At Baishatun station especially, besides local trains, even Chu-Kuang express trains are making an unscheduled stop. The HSR is not idle either, adding 10 extra services and hourly stops at Miaoli and Chiayi stations to match pilgrimage hours.

So you don't get lost, here are the most important shuttle bus details broken down for you. This is the essence of the "how to use Baishatun Mazu" transport guide:

• Departure day (12 April) and Return day (20 April): Direct shuttle buses from HSR Miaoli Station to Gongtian Temple. Frequency about every 10 minutes. Fare only $50 (half-price $25). 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 taking you straight to Chaotian Temple. Frequency about every 10-15 minutes.
• Handy tool: Remember to download the "Baishatun Mazu" App or GPS tracking system. Always know where the Pink Supercar is, so you don't suffer the tragedy of "Mazu turns left while you go straight".

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

Many people DM me asking: "First time joining – is it very tough?" Duh, a 400km round-trip forced march, of course it's tough! But as long as you're well prepared, Mazu will protect you.

Based on my many years of walking experience, here's a "Baishatun Mazu review"-level packing list. Follow it and you won't go wrong:

• Footwork is most important: Never wear new shoes! Wear that pair of old, broken-in, most comfortable sports shoes. Essential: toe socks to prevent blisters between toes. Bring a tub of Vaseline to apply on inner thighs to prevent chafing.
• Sleeping: Be mentally prepared to sleep wherever you can. You might sleep in pilgrim dormitories, school halls, or even roadside arcades. A sleeping bag or ground mat is your lifesaver.
• Essential small items: Power bank (can't track GPS without your phone), lightweight raincoat (more practical than umbrella), and most importantly – reusable cutlery. Along the way, countless kind-hearted people will give out food. This is called "experiencing generosity". But remember not to waste – take only what you can eat.

Knowing these 'insider tips' will make your journey smoother

Being an 'incense devotee' comes with rules. If you've already registered, remember to carry the armband or cap given at registration – that's your mark of being recognised by Mazu.

First, if it's your first time, traditionally you're advised to eat vegetarian or have a morning vegetarian fast for three days to purify body, speech and mind. When you see Mazu's palanquin, incense basket or head banner on the road, never touch them randomly – maintain a sacred distance. Also, that 'pilgrimage flag' you carry, marked with the years – it's a sacred object, never bring it into the toilet. Remember to pay respects when 'starting the horse' and give thanks when 'dismounting'.

This year's registration numbers hit a new high. How long is a procession of 460,000 people? Let me tell you – it's absolutely a sea of people. But that's the most beautiful part of Taiwanese warmth. Everyone, regardless of background, just wants to walk a stretch with Mazu. Whether you're seeking peace, health, or simply want to challenge your own limits – late night on 12 April, see you at Baishatun!