Giant Mazu Statue Introduction
Standing on the coast, the stone Mazu statue is located on the hill to the right of the Tianhou Temple in Matsu. Completed in October 2009, the phrase "Mazu in Matsu" has recently become the main marketing slogan for Matsu. The construction of the giant Mazu statue took over 10 years from proposal to completion, representing the devotion and determination of the Matsu people towards the belief in Mazu. The giant Mazu statue is primarily carved from 365 granite pieces, symbolizing "365 days, safety every day." Standing on a hill near the coast, it appears even more majestic, with a compassionate expression that inspires awe. Surrounding the statue are twelve sculptures that tell the story of Mazu's path to immortality. The viewpoint in front of the statue resembles a ship; when viewed from a distance, it looks like Mazu is sailing on a ship across the sea, protecting the local residents. The height of the giant Mazu statue is 28.8 meters, originally corresponding to the total area of the four townships and five islands of Matsu, which is 28.8 square kilometers. However, after the latest measurements, the actual area of Matsu is 29.6 square kilometers, so during construction, a lightning rod was added to the Mazu statue, resulting in a total height of 29.6 meters.
