Prayers and Flames: The Burning of the King Boat (Travel in Taiwan)

Donglong Temple Boat Burning, Donggang, Pingtung County, Taiwan

The King Ship is set ablaze in the early morning

The Dong Long Temple’s (東隆宮) boat burning ceremony in Donggang (東港) is one of the most popular festivals in Taiwan. For many years I have been wanting to go but it always seems to elude me (it only happens once every three years). Happily, the tourism department magazine, Travel in Taiwan, sent writer Steven Crook and myself to Pingtung to cover the 2012 event.

Donglong Temple Boat Burning, Donggang, Pingtung County, Taiwan

Donglong Temple King Ship burning

The photos and article were published in the Jan/Feb issue of Travel in Taiwan.

Wang Yeh Boat Burning

Crowds see the boat through the Donglong Temple gates