Li Wan-ju Historical Residence (Li Wan-ju Spirit Enlightenment Museum) Introduction
Mr. Li Wanju, also known as Mengnan, was born on July 22, 1901, in Wubei Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County. He grew up in a poor family and lost his father at an early age. Through self-study and hard work, he laid a solid foundation in Chinese studies. In 1924, with the support of relatives and villagers, he went to Shanghai for further studies, and in 1926, he went to France for education, eventually obtaining a degree from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Paris in 1932. Mr. Li was a pioneer and an enlightener of the Taiwanese democratic movement, advocating for the lifting of party and press bans, promoting judicial reforms, and dedicating himself tirelessly to democratic political reforms. Throughout his life, he pursued democracy and freedom for Taiwan and actively engaged in local politics. His spirit in fighting for press freedom and political rights is indeed admirable. In 1950, he collaborated with Lei Zhen and others to plan the establishment of the China Democratic Party to further implement party politics and promote democracy and freedom in Taiwan, though their efforts were thwarted under the oppressive rule of the governing authorities. Nevertheless, his exemplary character is worthy of admiration by future generations. Mr. Li passed away in 1966 due to complications from diabetes at the age of 66. Currently, Mr. Li's former residence beside the Tiangong Temple in Wubei Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County, has been renovated and transformed into the Li Wanju Enlightenment Hall through the enthusiastic efforts of local residents, becoming an important cultural attraction in Kouhu Township.
