Wufengqi Our Lady of the Pilgrimage Site Introduction
The Virgin Mary Pilgrimage Site is located in Yilan's Jiaoxi, specifically above the famous Wufengqi Scenic Area. To reach the Virgin Mary Pilgrimage Site, visitors must pass through the Wufengqi Waterfall. Following the path along the third and second levels of the waterfall, visitors will see the sign for the "Virgin Mary Pilgrimage Site." Following the directions, it takes approximately 15 minutes to arrive. The Virgin Mary Pilgrimage Site is regarded as a holy mountain by Catholic believers, as it is said that the Virgin Mary once appeared at the pavilion, guiding five climbers safely down the mountain. In gratitude, a statue of the Virgin Mary was built next to the pavilion. The Virgin Mary Pilgrimage Site covers an area of several hundred square meters and features a circular church designed in the style of a heavenly altar, with a touch of Chinese aesthetic. Without the cross at the top, one might easily overlook that it is a Catholic church. From the Virgin Mary Pilgrimage Site, visitors can take a gentle uphill walk along the mountain path, which has pavilions for resting along the way. Upon reaching the "Tongtian Bridge," one arrives at the starting point of the Virgin Mary Mountain Trail. The dense forest at the trailhead obscures the sky above, and there are small waterfalls and shallow pools throughout, making it a great place to play in the water during the summer heat. The trail is rich in greenery, and after completing the approximately 1.7-kilometer path, visitors will arrive at the picturesque "Virgin Mary Villa," where they can overlook the Lanyang Plain and gaze at Guishan Island. In the morning, looking down from this spot feels as if one is floating among the clouds. Although the Virgin Mary Villa is a Catholic site, many non-Catholic travelers also come here to pay their respects with a sense of gratitude. The Virgin Mary Mountain Trail: Following the path uphill, the lush forest offers a rare low-elevation pristine forest experience! The trail reaches an elevation of 1,028 meters, providing an excellent vantage point for overlooking the Lanyang Plain and Guishan Island. The path is filled with dense foliage and rich vegetation, with the mountain ridge marking the boundary between Yilan and Taipei, as well as the division of weather patterns, which is truly breathtaking.
