Mazu Stone Statue Introduction
Matsu is not only named after "Mazu," but since the completion of the world's tallest Mazu stone statue, it has become a new landmark that visitors must visit when exploring Matsu. On October 25, 2009, the Tianhou Temple in Magang, Nangan Township, Matsu, held the annual "Mazu Ascension Festival," where local dignitaries presided over the official unveiling ceremony of the 29.6-meter-tall stone statue made entirely of granite. Many people are curious as to why this statue is not exactly 30 meters tall, but rather 29.6 meters in height. In fact, there is a meaningful reason behind this. The height of 29.6 meters perfectly reflects Matsu's total area of 29.6 square kilometers. The stone statue is composed of 365 pieces of granite, symbolizing safety every day of the year. It honors Mazu's devotion when she jumped into the sea to save her father and brother, reflects the faith the people of Matsu have in Mazu, and symbolizes that Mazu will protect every inch of land and its people for generations. Additionally, it further emphasizes the "Mazu in Matsu" tourism slogan promoted by the Kinmen County government. Furthermore, nearby the Mazu stone statue, the Tianhou Temple houses the only Mazu spiritual cave and also enshrines a statue of Mazu carried to the summit of Mount Everest by the mountaineer Li Xiaoshi, making it a site not to be missed.
