Majiazhuang Introduction
The ancestors of Majiashuang and President Ma Ying-jeou both come from Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province. In 1993, Mr. Ma Ying-jeou met Professor Ma Chuan-zhen from the National Police University, who is the 21st generation descendant of Ma's Fufeng Hall. During their conversation, they discovered that their ancestors came from the same area, and that Professor Ma is a generation older than President Ma. It was later understood that the ancestors of Majiashuang migrated several times from Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province, to Guangdong before finally settling in Taiwan, while President Ma's ancestors moved from Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province, to Hunan before settling in Taiwan. Therefore, Majiashuang and President Ma share the same roots. After learning about the connection with Majiashuang, President Ma has returned to Fufeng Hall in Majiashuang, Fengshu Village, Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, every year on the second day of the Lunar New Year since 1994 to pay respects to his ancestors. Initially, the ancestral worship was not publicly announced, and during his time as the mayor of Taipei, he arranged gatherings with local villagers and relatives during his ancestral worship visits. Although there was a five-year pause, since 1998, he has returned to Fufeng Hall for ancestral worship every year on the second day of the Lunar New Year, actively distributing red envelopes to villagers to share in the festive atmosphere, especially greeting the elderly with congratulations and chatting with them. About Majiashuang Majiashuang is located in Fengshu Village, Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, and is the second hometown of President Ma. It consists mainly of traditional quadrangle courtyard small villages, preserving the traditional earthen houses of the Xu family and traditional charcoal kilns, exuding a rich ancient charm. The Ma ancestral hall is named "Fufeng Hall," which has an interesting couplet: "The Ma ancestral hall displays its prominence, leading the beloved island children with wise leadership. Nine generations come to assist, being loyal, filial, and virtuous men. Ultimately, it is heaven's will and opportune timing that leads the group to peace." The first characters of each line form "Ma Ying-jeou is the President," indicating the popularity of Ma Ying-jeou in the village. Ancient Charm of Majiashuang Located in Fengshu Village, Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, Majiashuang became a popular tourist spot in Tongxiao Township after Mr. Ma was elected as the 12th President on March 22, 2008. It takes only a few minutes to walk through the entire village, which connects to Highway 121 and Highway 36, leading to various scenic spots, including the Tongluo Science Park. Tongxiao Cihui Temple When President Ma visits his ancestral home in Tongxiao Township, the first stop is always Tongxiao Cihui Temple, where he prays for Mazu's blessings for the peace of the people before proceeding to the Ma ancestral hall, Fufeng Hall, for ancestral worship. Cihui Temple is located on Tongxiao Street in Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, and serves as the spiritual center for the people of Tongxiao Township. It was established in the 13th year of the Daoguang era during the Qing Dynasty (1837) and primarily honors the Heavenly Matron. Founded by Zheng Maguan of the Thirteen Villages of Tongxiao, all those who participated in the reconstruction and repair of Tongxiao Cihui Temple during its renovation were Hakka, thus enriching its Hakka culture. Touring Majiashuang Visitors to Majiashuang, the President's hometown, can explore the Ma ancestral hall, Fufeng Hall, along Yingjiu Avenue, while also enjoying the rural cultural charm. Nearby attractions include Feiniu Ranch, Tongxiao Ocean Resort, Qiumaoyuan, Hutaoshan Park, and famous spots like Dahu Winery, Sanyi Wood Sculpture Village, Tai'an Hot Springs, Mingde Reservoir, and historical trails such as the Chaochai Ancient Trail, Charcoal Trail, and Mingfeng Ancient Trail, all worth visiting. If the season allows, one can participate in the Miaoli Tung Blossom Festival, where the beautiful Tung flowers symbolize Hakka culture and represent romantic aspirations between couples. This makes a visit to Majiashuang not only a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountain town but also to experience the good mountains, good water, and good people of Miaoli. Authentic Taiwanese Flavor Most residents in Majiashuang speak Hokkien, and the predominant religion is the worship of Mazu, creating an authentic Taiwanese atmosphere throughout the village. In future tourism and recreation planning, the county government intends to continue preserving these original rustic features. The villagers of Majiashuang are very hospitable. Recently, many visitors coming to the area often find themselves lost, so local residents kindly created "Yingjiu Avenue" signs to help tourists avoid the trouble of asking for directions. Currently, the Miaoli County government has installed directional signs at the Tongxiao interchange of Highway 2, ensuring that visitors from other counties will find it easier to explore Majiashuang in the future.
