Li Wan-ju Historical Residence (Li Wan-ju Enlightenment Museum) Introduction
Mr. Li Wan-ju, also known as Meng-nan, was from Wubei Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County. He was born on July 22, 1901. Growing up in a poor family and losing his father at a young age, he laid the foundation for his studies in Chinese classics through self-learning and hard work. In 1924, with the support of relatives and villagers, he went to Shanghai to pursue his studies. In 1926, he furthered his education in France and obtained a degree from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Paris in 1932. Mr. Li was a pioneer and enlightener of Taiwan's democratic movement, advocating for the lifting of party and press bans, promoting judicial reform, and dedicating himself tirelessly to democratic political reform. His lifelong pursuit of Taiwan's democratic freedom and active involvement in local politics, as well as his spirit in advocating for press freedom and political human rights, is truly admirable. In 1950, to further implement party politics and promote Taiwan's democratic freedom, he, along with Lei Zhen and others, planned to establish the China Democratic Party, although it ultimately failed under the oppressive rule of the authorities. Nevertheless, his demeanor deserves respect from future generations. He passed away in 1966 due to complications from diabetes at the age of 66. Currently, the former residence of Mr. Li Wan-ju, located next to the Qiaotianfu in Wubei Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County, has been renovated and transformed into the Li Wan-ju Enlightenment Hall, becoming an important cultural site in Kouhu Township through the efforts of local individuals.
