2026 Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage Ultimate Guide! Pink Supercar Sets Off on 4/12, Tips for 450,000 Devotees on Route, Transportation at a Glance

Hey everyone, if you've been out and about lately and noticed hundreds of thousands of people suddenly swarming around Tongxiao, Miaoli, don't panic. It's not some mass migration event — it's our annual religious spectacle: the Baishatun Mazu徒步 pilgrimage, back again!

Seriously, my Facebook feed has been flooded with Mazu posts the past couple days. This year's crowd is no joke — as of registration closing, the numbers have blown past 460,000. Compared to last year's 320,000-plus, that's a spike of nearly 130,000 people, a growth rate even TSMC would envy. Everyone's asking: how do you follow Taiwan's most unpredictable Mazu this year? Don't worry. This local veteran has put together a Baishatun Mazu guide that'll get you out of tutorial mode and onto the road as a legit devotee.

Sets Off Late Night on 4/12! Three Divine Companions This Year

First, mark this year's schedule on your calendar, or you'll be sleeping while Mazu has already sprinted past Taichung. The departure time is 11:55 PM on Sunday, April 12. A quick tip for first-timers: the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage has no fixed route. The palanquin team follows divine will, so the so-called "Pink Supercar" palanquin might make a sudden U-turn at any moment — that's precisely what makes it 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've specially invited the "annual Luzhu 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 extra strong. You absolutely have to "walk with the gods."

Transportation Guide! TRA and THSR Add Record Number of Services

With 460,000 people crammed onto the roads from Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, to Yunlin, traffic will be a nightmare if not handled properly. But this year, the Ministry of Transportation pulled through — their crowd-control plan even got likes and shares from the Gongtian Temple and Chaotian Temple social media admins, calling it the "strongest strategy ever."

If you're planning to drive, I suggest you just give up on the steering wheel. This year, the Taiwan Railways Administration is going all out, adding 160 local train services, boosting coastal line capacity by 108.7%. At Baishatun Station specifically, even Chu-kuang Express trains are making unscheduled stops. The High Speed Rail isn't slacking either — adding 10 services, with extra hourly stops at Miaoli and Chiayi stations during pilgrimage hours.

So you don't get lost, here are the most important shuttle bus details — this is the essence of how to use Baishatun Mazu for transportation:

• Departure Day (4/12) and Return to Temple Day (4/20): Direct shuttles from THSR Miaoli Station to Gongtian Temple run about every 10 minutes. Fare is only NT$50 (half-price NT$25) — cheap and convenient.
• Arrival at Beigang Day (4/16): Whether you take THSR to Chiayi Station or TRA to Chiayi Station, shuttles will take you straight to Chaotian Temple, running every 10-15 minutes.
• Handy Tool: Download the "Baishatun Mazu" app or GPS tracker to keep tabs on where the Pink Supercar is at all times. Otherwise, you might end up going straight while Mazu turns left — a total tragedy.

Must-Read for Beginners: Gear and Taboos for Devotees

A lot of people have messaged me asking, "Is it really tough for first-timers?" Duh — a 400-kilometer forced march round trip — of course it's tough! But if you prepare well, Mazu will watch over you.

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

• Foot care is priority #1: Do NOT wear new shoes! Wear that beat-up, perfectly broken-in pair of old sneakers. Must-have: toe socks to prevent blisters from toe friction. Also bring a tub of Vaseline to apply on your inner thighs to prevent chafing.
• Sleeping arrangements: Mentally prepare to sleep anywhere — pilgrim dormitories, school auditoriums, even roadside arcades. A sleeping bag or ground mat will be your lifesaver.
• Essential small items: Power bank (can't track GPS without your phone), lightweight poncho (more practical than an umbrella), and most importantly — reusable utensils. Countless kind-hearted locals will hand out free food along the way — this is "experiencing generosity" — but don't waste it. Take only what you can eat.

Know These Nuances for a Smoother Journey

Being a "devotee" comes with rules. If you've registered, remember to carry the armband or hat issued at registration — that's your mark of Mazu's recognition.

First, if it's your first time, tradition suggests eating a vegetarian diet or at least vegetarian breakfasts for three days to purify body, speech, and mind. When you see Mazu's palanquin, incense basket, or head banner along the way, never touch them — maintain a respectful distance. Also, that worn "pilgrimage banner" you carry is sacred. Never take it into a restroom. Remember to perform the "mounting the horse" ritual to announce your start and the "dismounting" ritual to give thanks.

This year's registration numbers 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 best part of Taiwan's warmth: everyone, regardless of background, walks together just to accompany Mazu for a stretch. Whether you're seeking peace, health, or just want to challenge your own limits, late on the night of April 12, I'll see you in Baishatun!