Each spring in Taiwan, a sea of devotees, firecrackers, and sacred music fills the streets — it’s Mazu season.
The Mazu Pilgrimage (媽祖遶境) is not only one of the world’s largest religious processions, but also a deeply rooted expression of Taiwan’s community, spirituality, and cultural pride.
In this article, we’ll introduce who Mazu is, what 遶境 and 進香 mean, and how two of Taiwan’s most famous events — Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage and Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage — share this living tradition in their own unique ways.
🧕 Who is Mazu?
Mazu (媽祖) is a sea goddess worshipped by communities throughout Taiwan and southern China.
Legend says she was once a young woman named Lin Mo, who had spiritual powers and saved sailors from storms. After her death, she was deified — and today, Mazu is one of the most widely revered deities in Taiwan.
As an island nation with deep maritime roots, Taiwan’s connection to Mazu is emotional and practical: she represents protection, guidance, and blessing — especially for those traveling or facing hardship.
🙏 What Are 遶境 & 進香?
In Taiwan, people often hear the terms “遶境” (rào jìng) and “進香” (jìn xiāng) used interchangeably — but they’re not the same.
“Many people believe 遶境 and 進香 are the same, but they’re quite different. 遶境 is a routine annual inspection by a deity — a symbolic patrol of the land. 進香, by contrast, is a temple-to-temple exchange — a spiritual visit and act of respect between deities and believers.”
Both 遶境 and 進香 are deeply rooted religious practices, but they serve different purposes, with unique formats and cultural meanings.
🏮 What is 遶境 (Rào Jìng)?
遶境 literally means “circling a territory.” In folk tradition, it refers to a deity’s annual journey outside the temple to patrol communities, bless the land, and maintain harmony.
- Mazu is carried in a palanquin (sedan chair), accompanied by drummers, lion dancers, banners, and worshippers
- The procession may last for several days, passing through towns, cities, and temples
- Devotees often crawl under the palanquin for protection and blessings
- Local hosts prepare free food (香客大餐), drinks, and places to rest for participants
- Some pilgrims walk barefoot, sleep on sidewalks, or carry incense sticks for days
It’s both spiritual and festive — a massive, high-energy ritual filled with sound, color, and devotion.
🛕 What is 進香 (Jìn Xiāng)?
進香 means “offering incense.” It describes a pilgrimage by worshippers or temples to visit another temple, typically a more senior or spiritually significant one.
- It’s often done to honor a vow, give thanks, or form spiritual alliances
- The journey may involve carrying incense, banners, or sacred items
- Temples may organize travel by bus, train, or on foot
- The focus is on ritual respect and inter-temple connection, rather than a public street procession
- Offerings include incense, gold paper, or symbolic gifts, presented at the destination altar
Compared to 遶境, 進香 is more internal — a spiritual conversation between temples and communities rather than a display across towns.
🌟 Two of Taiwan’s Most Famous Mazu Events
Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage (大甲媽祖遶境)
- Begins at Dajia Jenn Lann Temple (大甲鎮瀾宮) in Taichung
- Covers over 300 kilometers roundtrip over 8–9 days
- Known for its fixed route, massive scale, and tight coordination
- Often attracts over one million participants, including foreign pilgrims
Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage (白沙屯媽祖進香)
- Starts from Baishatun Gongtian Temple (白沙屯拱天宮) in Miaoli
- Heads to Beigang Chaotian Temple (北港朝天宮) in Yunlin
- Route is not fixed — it’s determined “by Mazu’s will,” with palanquin carriers adjusting direction in real time
- The style is more grassroots, unpredictable, and deeply spiritual for many walkers
🔍 How Are They Different?
| Feature | Dajia Mazu 遶境 | Baishatun Mazu 進香 |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Fixed and scheduled | Spiritually guided, changing daily |
| Style | Grand, organized, media-covered | Humble, intuitive, and organic |
| Vibe | A processional festival | A walking meditation |
| Duration | 8–9 days | ~8–10 days |
| Crowd Size | Massive, structured participation | Smaller, spontaneous crowd |
✨ Can Travelers Join?
Yes — respectfully and with curiosity.
- You can join for a short walk or follow for several days
- Watch the procession in your town and receive blessings
- Try traditional acts like crawling under the palanquin for protection
- Accept food and water from locals — but say thank you and be considerate
- Do not block the palanquin path or take flash photos during prayer rituals
- Dress modestly and follow the flow of the crowd
Even as an outsider, you’ll feel welcomed — this is a people’s celebration, open to all who show respect.
Mazu’s pilgrimage is more than a religious tradition — it’s a powerful celebration of Taiwan’s identity, spirit, and collective faith. 遶境 and 進香 may look similar, but they reflect different kinds of relationships: one between deity and people, the other between temples and believers.
Whether you walk for an hour, a day, or the full route, joining in the Mazu Pilgrimage gives you something rare: a glimpse into a living, breathing spiritual culture — one that’s joyful, emotional, and deeply human.