CNEWS Converged News Network reporters Wang Tso-Ming, Lin Yu-Wei, and Chen Chiao-Yun / Reporting from Lukang
Taoyuan’s annual religious event continues as Taoyuan Longde Temple’s SiMazu southbound pilgrimage procession arrived at Lukang Tianhou Temple on the 7th to carry out the important “fire-fetching” ritual. This year also marks the 9th year of exchanges between Taoyuan Longde Temple and Lukang Tianhou Temple. Large crowds of devotees gathered at the site, witnessing—amid incense smoke and surging crowds—the deep bond built over years between the two temples.
During her remarks, Taoyuan Longde Temple director Ding Su-Chu highlighted the care and support provided over the past nine years by Lukang Tianhou Temple chairman Chang Wei-Tung and his team, which has helped Taoyuan Longde Temple grow steadily along its spiritual path. She added that this relationship goes beyond temple exchanges, becoming a source of mutual support.
Reflecting on this year’s pilgrimage, Ding noted that the procession encountered continuous rainfall along the way. However, rather than discouraging participants, devotees viewed it as a positive sign—believing “water brings prosperity.” Moving forward in the rain, they supported one another and demonstrated unwavering faith.
“It’s truly moving to see everyone walking together like this,” Ding said. Whether carrying the palanquin, accompanying the procession, or supporting along the route, everyone contributed in their own way to safeguarding the pilgrimage. Through this journey, SiMazu’s compassion and blessings have been spread to more places. “It is because of everyone that Taoyuan Longde Temple has come this far,” she added.
Lin Chin-Hui, chairman of Taoyuan Longde Temple, described this year’s pilgrimage as a test of both physical endurance and willpower. From the first day, participants walked long distances, with the longest single-day stretch reaching up to 85 kilometers. Many continued forward in the rain, their clothes and shoes repeatedly soaked and dried, yet they persevered.
He emphasized that what moved him most was that many devotees joined willingly rather than passively. “This is not a journey that money can buy,” he said, noting that faith and personal vows are what sustain participants.
Lin also noted that this year’s event mobilized over a thousand staff members and thousands of devotees. Along the route, supply stations were set up, while local temples and residents warmly welcomed the procession, making each stop feel like returning to another “home.” In addition, Taoyuan Longde Temple launched a 24-hour livestream via its online TV platform, with young volunteers taking turns documenting the pilgrimage, allowing those unable to attend in person to participate virtually.
Regarding the upcoming itinerary, Lin stated that after completing the fire-fetching ritual in Lukang, the procession will continue south for another five days, eventually arriving in Fengshan, Kaohsiung, and taking residence at Wujia Longcheng Temple. At that time, more than a hundred temples are expected to welcome the procession, creating another peak moment.
He further revealed that on the final day, SiMazu will board a special Taiwan Railways train back to Taoyuan, accompanied by around a thousand devotees in a “Railway Blessing Tour,” offering prayers for Taiwan Railways and the new Taoyuan railway station currently under construction—bringing a meaningful close to the nine-day, eight-night pilgrimage.
Photo Credit: CNEWS Archive
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