Hundreds of thousands of worshipers are crossing Taiwan’s western plains for the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage, one of East Asia’s largest religious events. The annual journey honors Mazu, Taiwan’s most revered goddess, and this year has drawn record-breaking crowds of over 200,000 to demonstrate devotion and seek blessings. Pilgrims walk up to 400 kilometers over a week, braving the sun, humidity and rain.
