Matsu’s temple in Miaoli
In Bali, Taipei County, he encountered a group of middle-aged women protesting against their former factory boss who had closed his Taiwan business and relocated to the Chinese mainland without paying back the money invested in their pensions. Dong saw a statue of the fishermen’s deity Matsu as it makes an annual pilgrimage through the western seaboard counties
Matsu, goddess of the sea, protector of seafarers, and Taiwan’s preeminent folk deity, will b going on tour at the end of the third Chinese lunar month, as she does every year.
Peishatun Matsu, who resides at the Gungtien Temple in Tunghsiao, Miaoli County, has the longest pilgrimage route.
According to one version of the legend, Matsu saved her father, brother and a number of fishermen from drowning while she physically remained at home.
Day 6
Dadu River in Changhua
Heading south, Dong is seen crying at the sight of his own grandfather kneeling down before a statue of Matsu.
The Dadu River is the sixth largest river in Taiwan and a major source of fresh water for the island’s west coast ecosystem. It fees the Dadu Wetlands, which were previously listed by the World Conservation Union as being one of Asia’s four major wetlands.The mouth of the Dadu River is the largest resting site for water fowl in central Taiwan. Of the birds to be seen there, 24 are listed as protected species. The area has been named by the International Nature Resource Conservation Federation as one of Asia’s most important wetlands.The best bird watching season at Dadu River is October through May. December through April is the best time to see waders and other water birds.
Day 7
San Tiao Lwun Beach in Yunlin
Dong experiences compassion as another young man cycling around Taiwan helps Dong change his flat tire along the road in San Tiao Lwun, Yunlin.
San Tiao Lwun Bathe Piazza is the only bath piazza in the middle part of Taiwan. It is in Szehu, Nan Lun Village. The water quality of the piazza is clear, and the beach is straight. Years of erosion formed the seaway sandbank in the outer sea and the inner part is the unique hill.
The inland is warm in winter and cool in summer - the best season for camping and barbecuing. The oyster nearby shows its frame out of the sea when it’s ebb time. It forms a special view in the shallow bay