Dajia holds profound significance in Taiwan’s history, once inhabited by Taiwanese Plains Indigenous Peoples and boasting numerous prehistoric relics. During the Qing Dynasty, it flourished as a town due to immigrants from Lukang, and it was during this period that the iconic Dajia Jenn Lann Temple dedicated to Mazu was constructed. Serving as a spiritual centre for over 200 years, the temple holds immense cultural and religious importance for locals. During your guided tour here, you will delve deeply into the Mazu belief system and its cultural significance.
Following the temple tour, take a leisurely stroll along Shuntian Road, adjacent to Dajia Jenn Lann Temple. Known as “Dajia Old Street,” it is the earliest developed street and currently the most bustling thoroughfare in Dajia. In addition to admiring the historic buildings, be sure not to overlook the chance to visit famous craft shops.
While in Dajia, be sure to explore the food stalls around Dajia Jenn Lann Temple and sample some local delicacies. The Crispy Butter Cake is widely known as the most popular food souvenir in Dajia, offering a delicious way to share your travel memories with family and friends back home.
After lunch, the highlight of this tour awaits—the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage. UNESCO has recognised Mazu belief and customs by including them on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This 9-day procession route spans across 4 cities in Central Taiwan: Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, and Chiayi County. Each year, the chairman of Dajia Jenn Lann Temple seeks permission from Mazu by tossing the divination blocks before the “Saloon Chair Mounting and Departure”. Pre-procession rituals are also conducted to ensure believers have a thorough understanding of this significant event.
In addition to witnessing Mazu’s saloon chair, the bearers, and the believers, the Din Tao line-up is truly a sight to behold. Each group holds a specific position, carrying its own symbolic meaning. During this tour, you’ll have the chance to join a short section of the procession alongside the believers, experiencing the spiritual influence of Mazu in the most authentic manner possible. It promises to be an unforgettable, life-changing experience on your journey.
The tour wraps up at approximately 16:00. Afterwards, the tour guide will accompany you back to Taipei and drop you off at MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station
