NANTOU (TVBS News) — Baishatun Gongtian Temple Mazu (白沙屯拱天宮媽祖) reached Mingjian Township (名間鄉) in Nantou County at 11:35 a.m. on Tuesday (May 6), marking the deity's first visit to Nantou County in 200 years. The pilgrimage, now in its fifth day, has drawn nearly 330,000 participants, showcasing the event's cultural importance.
Nantou Mayor Chang Chia-che (張嘉哲) and his wife visited Gongtian Temple, seeking Mazu's blessing for a visit to Nantou City. They received three successful divination blocks, indicating Mazu's approval. Residents in Mingjian Township prepared offerings and hung firecrackers with a crane to welcome the deity, while police managed traffic to ensure safety.
The pilgrimage began with a boarding ceremony at 11:25 p.m. on May 1. It covers 400 kilometers and includes Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, and Yunlin counties. On Monday night, Mazu stayed in Yunlin County and set out at 6 a.m. for Ershui Township (二水鄉) in Changhua County, eventually arriving in Mingjian.
Baishatun Gongtian Temple, located in Tongxiao Township (通霄鎮), Miaoli County, is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in Taiwan. The annual pilgrimage to Beigang Chao-Tian Temple (北港朝天宮) attracts many devotees, with no fixed route or dates, adding to its unique appeal. As the pilgrimage progresses, more devotees are expected to join, further enriching this cultural spectacle.