Fukang'an Memorial Stele Introduction
The commemorative monument of Fuk'anggan, inscribed by Emperor Qianlong, is well-known and is impressively erected on a stone turtle, creating a spectacular sight. While stone turtles as bases for monuments can be found throughout China, they are rare in Taiwan, with only a few remaining in Tainan and other areas. This rarity not only increases its value but also highlights a significant chapter in Taiwan's history—the Lin Shuangwen Incident. This event led to the renaming of Zhu Luo County to "Chiayi" by imperial decree, making it the only place in Taiwan with a name bestowed by the emperor. In the 51st year of Qianlong (1786), Lin Shuangwen rebelled in Changhua, killing the county magistrate. He marched south, capturing Zhu Luo (Chiayi) County and Fengshan County, causing turmoil across Taiwan. Thanks to the bravery of General Chai Daji, the garrison defending Tainan City was preserved, and in the first month of the 52nd year of Qianlong (1787), Zhu Luo County was recaptured. However, after regrouping, Lin Shuangwen's forces continued to besiege Zhu Luo City, leading to intense battles and a precarious situation. In October of that same year, Emperor Qianlong dispatched General Fuk'anggan, who had distinguished himself in battle, to Taiwan. He defeated Lin Shuangwen and lifted the siege of Zhu Luo City. In recognition of the bravery displayed by the soldiers and citizens defending Zhu Luo City, the area's name was officially changed to Chiayi. In the 53rd year of Qianlong (1788), the emperor commissioned ten commemorative stone monuments and turtle bases to honor Fuk'anggan's military achievements. Four of these monuments were inscribed entirely in Manchu, four entirely in Chinese, and two in a combination of both languages, with one of the bilingual monuments intended for Chiayi, while the other nine were to be placed in Tainan City. The turtle bases were sculpted in Xiamen and shipped to the Tainan City port; during the unloading, one base accidentally fell into the harbor and was subsequently replaced with a sandstone replica in Chiayi. After several relocations, the monument was finally settled at its current location. (The turtle base that fell into the harbor was recovered by Tainan fishermen in 1911 and is enshrined at the Bao'an Temple in Tainan.) **Fuk'anggan Commemorative Monument Profile:** - Size: Height 310 cm, Width 143 cm - Form: Inscribed with imperial writing, adorned with double dragons, and framed with dragon patterns and Manchu and Chinese inscriptions. - Construction year: 53rd Year of Qianlong (1788)
