Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage Draws Crowds, Illegally Parked Vehicles Face Fines in Taichung

On April 13, 2026, the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage procession from Gongtian Temple in Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, entered Taichung City. To follow Mazu, some devotees illegally parked their vehicles in the middle of the road. Police issued tickets in accordance with the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, with fines potentially reaching NT$1200. The walking pilgrimage team, heading to Beigang Chaotian Temple, entered Taichung's Dajia District in the morning. Crowds surrounded the Mazu palanquin, causing severe traffic congestion. The Taichung City Police Department's Dajia Precinct deployed nearly 100 officers, utilizing technology for security and flexible deployment. In the afternoon, the Mazu palanquin entered Qingshui District, where the Qingshui Precinct mobilized approximately 115 police and civilian personnel for flexible traffic control. Devotees eagerly queued to pass under the Mazu palanquin wherever it went. Around 4:30 PM, the Mazu palanquin stopped at Liyi Industrial Co., Ltd. in Qingshui, and is expected to depart at 2 AM the following day.