Pingtung Sisters Complete 300km Mazu Pilgrimage, Emphasizing Taiwanese Warmth

Two sisters from Pingtung, Taiwan, embarked on a challenging 12-day pilgrimage, walking over 300 kilometers round trip to and from the Fengtian Temple in Chiayi, carrying a statue of the goddess Mazu. The journey, which began on the evening of May 31st and concluded with their return home on June 12th, tested their physical and mental endurance.

During their trek, the sisters faced numerous hardships, including suffering from heatstroke due to the intense weather and battling strong winds and heavy rain that made walking nearly impossible. Their feet became blistered and inflamed from the prolonged walking. They often slept outdoors, in convenience stores, or in temples along the route.

Despite the difficulties, the sisters reported receiving constant assistance from strangers. People offered them drinks, coffee, food, and various forms of help. They described these encounters as moments of profound warmth and kindness, feeling the love from relatives, friends, and fellow Taiwanese people. Pingtung County Councilor Wang Jingshan and his wife also provided dedicated support, checking on their safety daily.

"We deeply felt the warmth and love of the Taiwanese people," the sisters stated. They attributed their successful completion of the pilgrimage to the blessings of Mazu and the unexpected help from numerous individuals they met on the road. The experience left them feeling incredibly grateful and affirmed their belief in the goodness of humanity.