Recognized as one of the world’s top three religious festivals, the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage will set off tomorrow night (4th). To promote religious and cultural tourism on an international scale, Taiwan’s Tourism Administration’s Taipei Tourism Office in Frankfurt invited four prominent German journalists and travel writers for a six-day pilgrimage-themed tour. This tour took them to renowned religious sites in central Taiwan—such as Taichung’s Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, Miaoli’s Baishatun Gongtian Temple, and Changhua’s Lukang Tianhou Temple. The itinerary also included Gaomei Wetlands, Fengjia Night Market, Luce Memorial Chapel, and Wufeng Lin Family Gong-Bao-Di Park, giving the guests a diverse and immersive look into the cultural richness of central Taiwan.

Tourism and Travel Bureau Director Chen Mei-Xiu noted that the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage ranks alongside Islam’s Hajj and the Vatican’s Christmas Eve Mass in Catholicism, earning recognition from Discovery Channel as one of the top three religious events in the world. To give the visiting German media a deeper understanding of this grand tradition, the bureau arranged a pre-pilgrimage temple visit, offering insight into the rituals and religious meaning behind the event, while immersing them in its rich cultural context. Adding to the experience, French-born influencer Rémy Gils (which sounds like “a grain of rice” in Taiwanese) also joined the tour to discover the unique charm of Taichung's tourism scene.

Additionally, the Tourism Bureau curated a varied itinerary highlighting some of Taichung’s most iconic spots, including colorful Rainbow Village, the must-visit Gaomei Wetlands, the vibrant and creative Fengjia Night Market filled with youthful energy, and even a hands-on experience of traditional Taiwanese shampoo culture. The tour left the visitors delighted and full of surprise, calling Taichung a captivating city that invites deeper exploration and appreciation.

Director Chen added that Taiwan’s religious culture is rich in history and local charm. More than just places of worship, temples have become beloved cultural landmarks for travelers from around the world. In fact, according to data from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Administration, Dajia Jenn Lann Temple drew nearly 1.56 million visitors last year alone—a testament to the powerful draw of religious tourism. This year’s Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage is set to begin at 10:45 p.m. tomorrow, and visitors are warmly welcomed to come to Taichung, honor Mazu, and experience the awe and emotion of this religious culture.

According to the Tourism and Travel Bureau, the city government continues to promote a “Religion + Tourism” model by blending temple culture with surrounding attractions and local cuisine across Taichung, Changhua, Nantou, and Miaoli. The goal is to elevate central Taiwan as a standout destination for global religious tourism. As Taiwan’s second-largest city, Taichung boasts stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and a prime location—making it an ideal city for international visitors looking to experience the heart of the island.

The Tourism Bureau also mentioned that the city government will keep rolling out world-class tourism events—such as the upcoming 2025 Taichung Biking Carnival and “2025 Taichung International Dance Carnival—to draw more European travelers to begin their Taiwan journey in Taichung and discover Taiwan’s year-round travel appeal. For more information on the events, please visit the Taichung Tourism website (https://travel.taichung.gov.tw/).