Wanggong Manatee Cultural Base (Wanggong Organic Bookstore) Introduction
Wang Gong’s early residents believed in the "Ci Wang Ye" (池王爺), a deity brought by immigrants from their homeland, which is regarded as the spirit of the local community. During the Qing Dynasty's Jiaqing period, a figure named Cai Qian led a ship here for pillaging but was driven away by the manifestation of "Ci Wang Ye". To express gratitude for the deity's mercy, Cai Qian later returned to Quanzhou, mainland China, to bring materials for rebuilding the Ci Wang Ye temple and decreed that all pirate fleets must pay respects at the temple to pass through. Consequently, pirates would shout "Wang Ye Gong (王爺宮) this village has arrived!", which over time evolved into "Wang Gong (王功) this village has arrived!". Later, local residents, in appreciation of the Wang Ye's protective work, decided to change "Wang Gong" to "Wang Gong" as a lasting tribute to the deity's contributions. 1. The culture of the sea cows follows the wisdom of living off the land and sea. In Fangyuan Township, Changhua County, the oyster farming industry began early. The local intertidal zone is rich in silt, making it difficult for boats to navigate even at high tide. Since the Japanese occupation period, generations of oyster farmers have relied on ox carts to harvest oysters, transporting large amounts of fresh oysters weighing over a hundred pounds back home. This practice has been passed down for 80 years, becoming a unique fishing method exclusive to Changhua, Taiwan! In 2013, director Chi Po-Lin filmed the documentary "Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above," showcasing the vibrant collaboration between oyster farmers and sea cows, which deeply moved the audience and sparked a wave of interest in sea cow culture! With the support of the community, in 2016, "Fangyuan Intertidal Zone Ox Cart Oyster Harvesting Culture" became Changhua County's first registered intangible cultural asset. To promote the national treasure of sea cow culture, the Changhua County Government organized the "International Sea Cow Cultural Festival," showcasing this local industry and cultural pride. At the peak of oyster farming in Fangyuan, there were hundreds of sea cows contributing their strength. However, due to the influence of mechanization, the number of sea cows has steadily declined, and currently, only 7 sea cows work in the Fangyuan intertidal zone. To continue this unique sea cow culture, the local community is actively planning a sea cow school to train successors and preserve the cultural heritage, as well as arrange retirement homes for retiring sea cows and farming oxen, creating an exemplary model of life education. 2. Wang Gong Cultural Map Wang Gong is considered an early village town in Taiwan's development history that once thrived but has gradually declined. Thus, our community development focus is on "continuing the sea cow culture", aiming to recreate the traditional lifestyle of early local life, including masters and sea cow fishermen, slowly accumulating into a complete cultural map. (1). Community Building: Continuing sea cow culture, discovering local artisans' stories, and conveying the human spirit. (2). Sea Cow Arts and Culture: Through the theme of sea cow arts and culture, developing a more diverse platform for exchange and cooperation. (3). Ecological Experience: Sea cow ecological experiences allow more local cultural features to be explored and revived. 3. Local Community Development Activities Main Focus One: Starting from the continuation of sea cow culture, mobilizing community residents to participate. Main Focus Two: Valuing land, developing humanistic walking experiences. Main Focus Three: Building a creative base, becoming a cradle for young people's creativity. Main Focus Four: Recruiting community elders to participate in cultural storytelling tours and tourism planning.
Wangong Footbridge
Wang Gong Lighthouse
