Li Wan Ju Residence (Li Wan Ju Spiritual Enlightenment Museum) Introduction
Mr. Li Wan-ju, also known as Meng-nan, was born on July 22, 1901, in Wubei Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County. Coming from a poor family with his father passing away early, he built his foundation in Chinese studies through self-education and hard work. In 1924, with the support of friends and villagers, he went to Shanghai to pursue further education. He then studied in France in 1926 and obtained a degree from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Paris in 1932. Mr. Li was a pioneer and advocate of the democratic movement in Taiwan, advocating for the lifting of bans on political parties and the press, promoting judicial reform, and tirelessly committing to political reforms for democracy. His lifelong pursuit of Taiwan's democratic freedom and active involvement in local politics reflects a spirit worthy of admiration, especially in his efforts for press freedom and political human rights. To further realize party politics and promote democratic freedom in Taiwan, he, along with Lei Zhen and others, planned to establish the Chinese Democratic Party in 1950; however, their efforts met with failure under the oppressive rule of the governing authorities. Nevertheless, his exemplary character deserves respect from 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 Tiaotian Temple in Wubei Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County, has been successfully restored and transformed into the Li Wan-ju Enlightenment Hall through the efforts of local individuals, making it an important cultural landmark in Kouhu Township.
