Standing tall in Nangan, Matsu, the Giant Mazu Statue watches over the surrounding seas. Its symbolic ship-shaped platform—representing Mazu riding the waves and patrolling the ocean to protect fishermen and ensure maritime safety—has officially completed its largest-scale maintenance project since inauguration and is now fully reopened to the public. This maintenance initiative marks the first major structural overhaul of a landmark tourist attraction in Matsu and signifies a new milestone in the maintenance and management of local tourism facilities.
The ship-shaped platform measures 32.5 meters in length, 26 meters in width, with a maximum clear height of 13 meters, covering a total area of 650 square meters. Since its official opening in December 2013, it has been a must-visit pilgrimage and blessing site for visitors. After more than a decade of exposure to sea winds and harsh coastal weather conditions, the Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the Headquarters) incorporated the project into its 2025 plan and launched the “2025 Nangan Giant Mazu Statue Ship-Shaped Platform Facility Maintenance Project.” The works focused on inspection, repair, and preservation of the platform’s steel structural components and laminated timber framework to ensure continued safety and durability.
The scope of maintenance covered the expansive ship-shaped platform area and the surrounding pilgrimage walkways. Structural steel and laminated timber elements affected by prolonged salt corrosion and sun exposure were thoroughly inspected and refinished. The maintenance period lasted 11 months, spanning the plum rain season and periods of strong northeast monsoons. Despite limited and uneven space for scaffolding installation, the construction team overcame numerous challenges and completed the project on schedule. Throughout the construction period, there were zero accidents and zero occupational safety incidents.
Hung Chih-kuang, Director of the Headquarters, stated that the Giant Mazu Statue serves as both the spiritual center and tourism landmark of Matsu. The project strengthened structural stability and durability without altering the platform’s original aesthetic appearance, allowing visitors to enjoy the sea views with greater peace of mind while experiencing the serene atmosphere under Mazu’s blessing.
With the successful completion of the renovation, the ship-shaped platform has fully removed its protective fencing and now presents a refreshed appearance. The Headquarters sincerely invites visitors from across Taiwan to take advantage of the New Year and Lunar New Year holidays to visit Matsu. Guests are welcome to explore the Religious Culture Park, walk along the pilgrimage pathways, board this symbolic vessel of compassionate salvation, gaze up at the 28.8-meter-tall Giant Mazu Statue at close range, offer prayers for blessings, and appreciate both the craftsmanship of the architecture and the tranquil beauty of the surrounding seascape.