The Dajia Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung has found an unprecedented way to use modern technology. At the temple, which is about 100 miles down the coast from Taiwan, NFTs have been released in honor of the sea goddess Mazu, and they are already popular among young people. Every year, the temple organizes a 300-kilometer pilgrimage in honor of the sea goddess, and the economy of the region mainly depends on the income received from tourism. The "Mazu economy" is based on donations and the sale of goods related to the temple.
As a result, the release of the NFT caused a stir, and media reports say that the NFT acts as a "priority pass" for people visiting the temple built in the 18th century by the Qing Dynasty. Mazu, a mythical sea goddess, popular as a defender of seafarers, attracts pilgrims every year, and digital tokens have increased her popularity.
Mingkun Cheng, vice chairman of the board of the Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, said that the NFT has already increased the number of pilgrims, and the tokens will bring more than five billion Taiwanese dollars. Since their initial launch in August 2021, more than 2,800 tokens have been sold to date, and their current market price is about $18,800.