Li Wanjü Memorial Residence (Li Wanjü Spirit 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 an early age, he laid the foundation for his knowledge of Chinese culture through self-study and hard work. In 1924, with the support of friends, relatives, and villagers, he traveled to Shanghai for further study. He then went to France in 1926, where he obtained a degree from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Paris in 1932. Mr. Li was a pioneer and an enlightener of the Taiwan democratic movement, advocating for the lifting of party and press bans, promoting judicial reform, and dedicating himself to democratic political reform. Throughout his life, he pursued democracy and freedom for Taiwan and actively engaged in local politics. His spirit of striving for freedom of the press and political rights is truly admirable. In 1950, to further implement party politics and promote democracy and freedom in Taiwan, he collaborated with Lei Zhen and others to plan the establishment of the China Democracy Party, although it ultimately failed under the oppressive rule of the authorities. However, his demeanor is worthy of admiration by future generations. Mr. Li passed away in 1966 due to complications from diabetes at the age of 66. His former residence located next to the Tiangong Temple in Wubei Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County, has been repaired and transformed into the Li Wan-ju Enlightenment Hall, becoming an important cultural attraction in Kouhu Township through the efforts of local residents.
