Fangli Stream Yi-Du Pavilion Introduction
In the past, there was no clear distinction between the river channels of Fangli Creek and Daan Creek. The Yi-Du Stele indicated that the creek waters flowed into Liyutan and then northwest through the coast of Fangli Village into the sea, referred to as "Fangli Creek." The waters that flowed southwest into Daan Harbor were called "Daan Creek." However, during sudden rain, both Fangli Creek and Daan Creek would easily flood, leading to chaotic water flows downstream. The surfaces of the two creeks would become intertwined, expanding up to ten miles, making it very difficult for pedestrians to cross. Local landlords often hired boatmen for ferrying, using this as an opportunity to extort high fares. Travelers who did not comply were sometimes violently robbed, causing great suffering for the common people. In the 17th year of the Daoguang reign, the then-Tamsui office magistrate, Liu Yun, sought to eliminate these issues. He gathered the local gentry to donate to a ferry fund to purchase public land. The annual rental income from this land was used to cover ferry expenses, and six ferry stations were established at various river crossings. This initiative not only resolved the pedestrian crossing issue but also greatly helped in developing local transportation and promoting cultivation efforts. The inscription on the Yi-Du Stele reads: "Demonstrated by Liu from the Tamsui sub-prefecture" at the top, and in the center: "Official ferry of Fangli Creek." The right side states: "Established in the Dingyou year of the Daoguang era, the government provided labor and food, allowing pedestrians to cross anytime without charging fees. Violators will be severely punished." The left side states: "Established by Liu Yun of the Tamsui sub-prefecture." Initially, the Yi-Du Stele was erected by Fangli Creek, but as transportation developed and the demand for the ferry decreased, the stele was once lost but has since been found and is now placed at the ferry pavilion in front of Shuntian Temple for future generations to remember.
