Mazu Giant Statue Introduction
Standing by the coast is a colossal statue of Mazu. On the hillside to the right of the Tianhou Temple in Matsu, there is a giant statue of Mazu that was completed in October 2009. In recent years, "Mazu in Matsu" has become a major marketing slogan for the area, and the construction of the giant Mazu statue took over 10 years from proposal to completion, representing the devotion and determination of the people of Matsu towards the Mazu faith. The giant Mazu statue is carved from 365 pieces of granite, symbolizing "365 days of peace every day." It stands majestically on a hill near the coast, presenting a compassionate visage that is awe-inspiring. Surrounding the statue are twelve sculptures that narrate the story of Mazu's path to immortality. The observation deck in front of the statue resembles a ship; viewed from a distance, it appears as though Mazu is sailing on a boat over the sea, providing protection to the local residents. The height of the Mazu statue is 28.8 meters, originally corresponding to the total area of Matsu's four townships and five islands, which was 28.8 square kilometers. However, after recent measurements, the actual area of Matsu is found to be 29.6 square kilometers. Therefore, during construction, a lightning rod was added to the Mazu statue, increasing its total height to 29.6 meters.
