Historical Migration Tracker
The Sea Gate Journey
1. Origin
Lunzai Community, Nanjing, Fujian
The ancestral home of the Lin clan. Patriarch Lin Qizhou prepares to migrate during the Ming Wanli era.
2. The Departure
Shima Port
Major 17th-century departure points for Zhangzhou migrants. The deity icon is respectfully carried onto a junk ship for protection.
3. The Sea Gate
The "Black Water Ditch" (Taiwan Strait)
The most perilous part of the journey. The deity is worshipped mid-voyage to ensure the ship survives the dangerous currents.
4. Landing
Ancient Bengang
The primary 17th-century "portal" into central Taiwan. This was the first ground the icon touched in Taiwan.
5. Settlement
Datan Village (Private Residence)
The icon is installed in the Lin family home. For nearly 300 years, it remains a "Home Deity" before the public temple is built in 1923.