Zhong Lihe Memorial House Introduction
Zhong Lihe was born in 1915 in Guanghai Village, Kaohsiung Township, Pingtung County. He received traditional Chinese education from an early age and gradually moved towards a literary path. His works vividly depict the human dignity and living conditions of the grassroots citizens, making him one of the most influential Hakka writers in the history of Taiwanese literature. The former residence of Zhong Lihe is the place he lived before the age of eighteen, featuring a three-section courtyard with a double-gable roof design, a type of building that was only owned by wealthy families at that time. Entering Zhong Lihe's former residence, one can reflect on his love and passion for humanity through the bricks, tiles, and furnishings inside. After the birth of his first son, he began to engage in writing and translation work, and his works often reflect his deep concern for the dignity and living conditions of the common people, such as "The Sadness of Sweet Potatoes," "Mountain Fire," "Bamboo Head Village," "In-Laws and Mountain Songs," "Uncle Ah Huang," "Ah Yuan," "On the Grass Slope," and "The Old Woodcutter." His works have won numerous awards, including the second prize in the Novel category from the Chinese Literature and Art Award Committee for "Lisong Farm" and the Best Work Award from Hong Kong's "Asia Digest" for "The Tobacco House." His contributions to literature have earned him the title "Father of Modern Taiwanese Literature." The once dilapidated Zhong Lihe former residence has been restored to its former glory, with a front yard surrounded by a red brick wall, a roof with a tail-up design, and a courtyard planted with century-old osmanthus trees, which release their fragrant aroma during the blooming season. One of the most noteworthy features is the water reservoir in front of the house, which was essential for the village's residents who, due to difficult living conditions, would come to collect water with their buckets on water supply days.
