Wufengqi Madonna Pilgrimage Site Introduction
The Virgin Mary Pilgrimage Site is located in Jiaoxi, Yilan, right above the famous Wufengqi Scenic Area. To enter the Virgin Mary Pilgrimage Site, one 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." By following the directions, it takes about 15 minutes to reach. The "Virgin Mary Pilgrimage Site" is regarded as a holy mountain by Catholics, where it is said that the Virgin Mary appeared at the Virgin Mary Pavilion, guiding five climbers safely down the mountain. In gratitude, a statue of the Virgin Mary was built beside the pavilion. The Virgin Mary Pilgrimage Site covers an area of several hundred square meters, featuring a circular church in the shape of a heavenly altar with elements of Chinese style. Unless you see the cross above, it may be difficult to recognize it as a Catholic church from the outside. Starting from the Virgin Mary Pilgrimage Site, visitors can slowly ascend along the mountain path, which has pavilions for resting along the way. Upon reaching the "Tongtian Bridge," it is the starting point of the Virgin Mary Mountain Trail. The starting area is shaded by trees, and one cannot see the sky; there are small waterfalls and shallow pools along the way, making it a great place to play in the water and cool off. The trail is lush with dense foliage and rich in plant diversity. After walking approximately 1.7 kilometers on the trail, you will reach the scenic "Virgin Mary Villa," where you can overlook the Lanyang Plain and gaze at Guishan Island. In the morning, looking down from here feels as if you are in the clouds. Although the Virgin Mary Villa is a Catholic site, many non-Catholic travelers also come to pilgrimage with a heart full of gratitude. The Virgin Mary Mountain Trail leads up the mountain, surrounded by lush trees, showcasing rare low-elevation primitive forests! The trail reaches an elevation of 1,028 meters, providing an excellent viewpoint for overlooking the Lanyang Plain and Guishan Island. The mountain ridgeline serves as a boundary between Yilan and Taipei, and the climatic variations here are truly astonishing.
