Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage Departs, Transporting Over 115,000 People
The Baishatun Gongtian Temple Mazu pilgrimage from Miaoli Tongxiao to Beigang Chaotian Temple has commenced. Over 460,000 pilgrims are participating in the 8-day, 7-night journey. The Ministry of Transportation announced that they facilitated the transportation of over 115,000 people via Taiwan Railways, High-Speed Rail, and bus services, marking a significant increase from last year.
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- 📰 Published: April 13, 2026 at 12:48
- 🔍 Collected: April 13, 2026 at 13:00 (12 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 13, 2026 at 13:18 (18 min after Collected)
The Ministry of Transportation issued a press release today stating that Taiwan Railways increased train services, added carriages, and made additional stops for reserved-seat trains. In conjunction, the Directorate General of Highways launched a direct bus route from "Baishatun Gongtian Temple to HSR Miaoli Station," supplemented by additional HSR services, to fully support the transportation effort.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Transportation, a total of 115,842 people were transported to Baishatun yesterday, a 39% increase compared to 83,209 people last year.
The Ministry of Transportation reported that Baishatun Station of Taiwan Railways added 49 services, additional carriages for 43 services, and made 5 extra stops, with a total of over 91,600 passenger entries and exits, a 39% increase from last year's 65,931 passengers.
The Ministry of Transportation pointed out that HSR Miaoli Station recorded approximately 16,863 passenger entries and exits. This represents an increase of 4,519 people, or 37%, compared to the 12,344 passengers on May 1st last year (the day of the Baishatun Mazu sedan chair departure), making it the highest total passenger volume in Miaoli Station's history.
Additionally, HSR Miaoli Station recorded approximately 11,301 passenger exits, an increase of 2,255 people, or 25%, compared to the 9,046 passenger exits on May 1st last year, setting a new historical record for "exiting" passenger volume at Miaoli Station.
The Directorate General of Highways' shuttle bus service, originally scheduled to start at 12 PM, began early at 9 AM due to the large crowds. It operated 232 services, transporting 7,379 people, an increase of 2,445 people, or 49.6%, compared to 4,934 people last year. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150413
FAQ
When did the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage commence this year?
The Mazu pilgrimage from Baishatun Gongtian Temple to Beigang Chaotian Temple began in the early hours of today.
How many pilgrims are participating in the 8-day, 7-night journey?
Over 460,000 pilgrims are participating in the 8-day, 7-night journey, led by the 'Pink Supercar' sedan chair carrying three Mazu deities.
What transportation measures were implemented to support the pilgrimage?
Taiwan Railways increased train services, added carriages, and made additional stops. The Directorate General of Highways launched a direct bus route and supplemented with additional HSR services.
What was the total number of people transported to Baishatun yesterday, and how does it compare to last year?
A total of 115,842 people were transported to Baishatun yesterday, which is a 39% increase compared to 83,209 people last year.
Did HSR Miaoli Station experience a record-breaking passenger volume?
Yes, HSR Miaoli Station recorded its highest total passenger volume in history, with approximately 16,863 entries and exits, and also set a new historical record for exiting passenger volume with 11,301 exits.