Zhong Lihe Memorial Residence Introduction
Zhong Lihe was born in 1915 in Guangxing Village, Gaoshu Township, Pingtung County. From a young age, he received education in Classical Chinese at a private school and gradually embarked on his literary journey. His works profoundly depict the human dignity and living conditions of grassroots people, making him a highly influential Hakka writer in the history of Taiwanese literature. The residence of Zhong Lihe is where he lived until the age of eighteen and is a traditional three-section courtyard house known as a shuangheng house layout. At the time, such buildings were typically owned by wealthy families. Entering Zhong Lihe's former residence, one can sense his compassion and passion for humanity through the bricks and tiles and the arrangements within the house. After the birth of his first son, Zhong Lihe began engaging in writing and translation work, and his writings often reveal his deep concern for the dignity and living situation of ordinary people, with notable works such as "The Sorrow of the Sweet Potatoes," "Mountain Fire," "Zhutou Village," "In-laws and Mountain Songs," "Uncle Ah Huang," "Ah Yuan," "On the Grass Slope," and "The Old Woodcutter." His works have received numerous awards, including the second prize in the Novel category of the Chinese Literature and Arts Award for "Lishan Farm" and the Merit Award from Hong Kong's "Asia Weekly" for "The Tobacco Building." His contributions to literature have earned him the title of "Father of Modern Taiwanese Literature." After undergoing renovations, the once dilapidated residence of Zhong Lihe has largely restored its former appearance. The front yard features a wall made of red bricks, and the roof has a design that resembles a swallowtail. The courtyard is planted with over a hundred-year-old osmanthus tree, which releases a fragrant scent during its blooming season. One of the highlights is the water reservoir in front of the house, which served as a crucial resource during a time when living conditions were generally difficult; on water supply days, it was common to see villagers of all ages carrying buckets to fetch water, underscoring the importance of this reservoir.
