Zhong Lihe Memorial Hall Introduction
Meinong is the hometown of Mr. Chung Li-he, who is revered as the "Father of Modern Taiwanese Literature." The "Chung Li-he Memorial Hall" was initiated by six literary figures: Lin Haiyin, Chung Chao-cheng, Yeh Shih-tao, Cheng Ching-wen, Li Chiao, and Chang Liang-tse. They were moved by the long-standing unfair suppression and neglect of Taiwanese indigenous writers since the relocation of the Nationalist government to Taiwan during the Japanese occupation. Many precious works of Taiwanese literature have been lost over time, which is a tremendous loss in the history of Taiwanese literature. Therefore, in 1979, they formally announced the establishment of the "Chung Li-he Memorial Hall," receiving enthusiastic support from the community. The family of Chung Li-he unconditional provided the land at the foothills of Jianshan in Meinong, where he spent his later years writing. The construction of the memorial was a collaborative effort from the private sector, making it the first memorial hall for a civil literary figure built by the community in Taiwan, which is truly precious. The hall displays all of Chung Li-he's manuscripts, diaries, notes, personal items, and related documents studying his literature. The second floor houses works, photos, and manuscripts of many other Taiwanese writers. Outside the hall, there is the Taiwanese Literature Trail, where the names and quotes of over 30 Taiwanese writers are inscribed on literary stone tablets throughout the lush garden. Walking through this area, one can listen to the verses composed by literature and the soul, reflecting on the steadfast dedication of the writer's life, his commitment to literature, and his voice for farmers, believing that it can foster a spiritual connection with predecessors in Taiwanese literature and deeply move those who visit.
