Baishatun Mazu Arrives in Beigang on 4/16; Yunlin Schools' Request for Closure Denied by County Government
The Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage is expected to arrive in Beigang, Yunlin on April 16th, with over 450,000 participants anticipated. The Yunlin County government rejected the request from Nanyang Elementary and Beigang Junior High to close schools for the day, citing students' right to education and parents' work needs, while requiring schools to maintain normal operations and implement traffic management measures.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 16:19
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 17:00 (41 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 11:58 (282h 57m after Collected)
The Mazu pilgrimage from Baishatun Gongtian Temple in Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, will depart after the midnight ceremony on the 12th and is expected to arrive at Beigang Chaotian Temple in Yunlin County on the 16th. According to Gongtian Temple statistics, over 450,000 people have registered to accompany Mazu.
Yunlin County's Nanyang Elementary School and Beigang Junior High School considered that the arrival of Baishatun falls on a weekday, and the two schools are only about 1 kilometer from Chaotian Temple. With a large number of registered participants, there were concerns about traffic safety during school commutes. After discussion, they planned to close for one day on the 16th and make up classes on the 11th.
The Yunlin County Education Department issued a press release today stating that considering students' right to education and the fact that most parents will be working normally on that day, Nanyang Elementary School and Beigang Junior High School will maintain normal classes on the 16th.
The Yunlin County Government stated that they have asked schools to implement flexible measures for the potential crowds and traffic on the day of the event, and to respond dynamically as the situation dictates, hoping to minimize the impact of crowds and traffic on work and classes.
The Yunlin County Government emphasized that they welcome pilgrims to Beigang and urge the public to cooperate with traffic guidance and on-site directions during the event period to jointly maintain road order and safety around school areas, ensuring the smooth progress of the event and enabling students to study with peace of mind.
Both Beigang Junior High and Nanyang Elementary School stated that if any students or parents have concerns about the large crowds, classes will be conducted online for students taking leave. Additionally, Nanyang Elementary School has lent its activity center to pilgrims for rest, and the school will strengthen campus security and sanitation. (Editor: Xie Yazhu) 1150408
Yunlin County's Nanyang Elementary School and Beigang Junior High School considered that the arrival of Baishatun falls on a weekday, and the two schools are only about 1 kilometer from Chaotian Temple. With a large number of registered participants, there were concerns about traffic safety during school commutes. After discussion, they planned to close for one day on the 16th and make up classes on the 11th.
The Yunlin County Education Department issued a press release today stating that considering students' right to education and the fact that most parents will be working normally on that day, Nanyang Elementary School and Beigang Junior High School will maintain normal classes on the 16th.
The Yunlin County Government stated that they have asked schools to implement flexible measures for the potential crowds and traffic on the day of the event, and to respond dynamically as the situation dictates, hoping to minimize the impact of crowds and traffic on work and classes.
The Yunlin County Government emphasized that they welcome pilgrims to Beigang and urge the public to cooperate with traffic guidance and on-site directions during the event period to jointly maintain road order and safety around school areas, ensuring the smooth progress of the event and enabling students to study with peace of mind.
Both Beigang Junior High and Nanyang Elementary School stated that if any students or parents have concerns about the large crowds, classes will be conducted online for students taking leave. Additionally, Nanyang Elementary School has lent its activity center to pilgrims for rest, and the school will strengthen campus security and sanitation. (Editor: Xie Yazhu) 1150408