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The ancestors of Ma Zhai-jian's family and President Ma Ying-jeou's family both originated from Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province. In 1993, Mr. Ma Ying-jeou met Professor Ma Chuanzhen from the Police University, who is the 21st generation of the Ma family from Fufeng Hall. During their conversation, they discovered that their ancestors came from the same region, and Professor Ma is one generation older than Mr. Ma. It was later discovered that Ma Zhai-jian's ancestors migrated from Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province, to Guangdong Province after several relocations, and then settled in Taiwan. On the other hand, President Ma's ancestors migrated from Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province, to Hunan Province before settling in Taiwan. Therefore, Ma Zhai-jian and President Ma share the same roots. After learning about his connection to Ma Zhai-jian, President Ma has returned to Miaoli County's Tongxiao Township, Fengshu Village, Ma Zhai-jian's "Fufeng Hall" to pay respects to his ancestors every Chinese New Year since 1994. Initially, the event was not publicly announced, and it wasn't until President Ma was serving as the Mayor of Taipei that he arranged to meet with local villagers and relatives during his hometown visit. Although the event was suspended for five years, since 1998, President Ma has continued to return to the "Fufeng Hall" to pay respects to his ancestors on the second day of the first lunar month. He also actively distributes red envelopes to the villagers, sharing in the festive atmosphere, and especially takes the time to greet and chat with the elderly. About Ma Zhai-jian Ma Zhai-jian is located in Fengshu Village, Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, and is President Ma's second hometown. The village is a traditional small settlement with a four-sided courtyard, preserving old clay houses and traditional charcoal kilns, exuding a strong, rustic charm. The Ma family ancestral hall is called "Fufeng Hall," which has an interesting couplet: "Ma's ancestral hall has a display, Yingming leads the island's children, Jiuxuan Qizu comes to assist, doing things with loyalty, filial piety, and goodness, good boys, in the end, it's all about timing, leading the clan to peace and rise." If you combine the first character of each sentence, it spells out "Ma Ying-jeou as President," reflecting President Ma's popularity in the village. Rustic Charm of Ma Zhai-jian Located in Fengshu Village, Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, Ma Zhai-jian became a popular tourist destination in Miaoli County after President Ma was elected as the 12th term president on March 22, 2008. The village can be easily explored in a few minutes and is connected to Miaoli County Route 121 and Route 36, leading to various scenic spots in Miaoli. Tongxiao Cihui Temple President Ma's first stop when visiting Miaoli's Tongxiao Township to pay respects to his ancestors is the Tongxiao Cihui Temple. He prays for the blessing of the Mazu and then proceeds to the Ma family ancestral hall, Fufeng Hall. The Cihui Temple is located in Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, and is the spiritual center of the locals. It was built in 1837 during the Qing dynasty's Daoguang era, and is dedicated to the Mazu. The temple was rebuilt and restored with the participation of the Hakka people from 13 villages in Tongxiao, reflecting the rich Hakka culture. Touring Ma Zhai-jian Visitors to President Ma's hometown, Ma Zhai-jian, can stroll along the Ying-jeou Boulevard to explore the Ma family ancestral hall, Fufeng Hall, and experience the rustic charm of the village. Other nearby scenic spots include Feiniu Ranch, Tongxiao Ocean Resort, Qiujiao Garden, Hushan Park, and the renowned Dahu Winery, Sanjia Wooden Sculpture City, Tai'an Hot Springs, and Mingde Reservoir. Visitors can also follow the historical footprints of their ancestors by hiking the Picking柴 Trail, Picking炭 Trail, and Mingfeng Trail. If the season permits, visitors can attend the Miaoli Tung Flower Festival, which features the beautiful and romantic tung flowers that symbolize the Hakka culture. The villagers of Ma Zhai-jian predominantly speak Minnan dialect and mostly worship the Mazu, giving the village a strong Taiwanese flavor. The Miaoli County government plans to preserve this original simplicity while developing the village's tourism and recreation. The villagers are very friendly and have created signs for "Ying-jeou Boulevard" to help visitors find their way. The Miaoli County government has also installed signs at the Zhongli interchange on the Maolin Highway to make it easier for visitors to find their way to Ma Zhai-jian.