Fang Siwen Memorial Park Introduction
The Fang Siwen Memorial Park and Pavilion along the coast at Wadong Village in Penghu County commemorate the contributions of the Han studies master, Mr. Fang, to the local community. Throughout his life, he devoted himself to public service and local affairs, serving as a role model for future generations. In February 2001, the county government awarded him a commendation certificate to honor his everlasting achievements. At the suggestion of the then-county magistrate and the residents of Baisha Village, the "Fang Siwen Memorial Park" was established to express gratitude and remembrance for Mr. Fang's lifelong contributions as a master of Sinology. In the park stands a bronze statue of Mr. Fang, crafted by artists Wu Anzhai and Kuo Ching-yun, with an inscription at the back by Kuo Ching-yun that details Mr. Fang's life. Born in 1917 in Wadong Village, Penghu County, he displayed extraordinary talent from a young age. At the age of eight, he studied under the Qing dynasty scholar Xu Lingyun for 13 years, diligently learning the Four Books and the Five Classics while honing his literary skills. In his youth, newly married and undeterred by Japanese colonial rule, he crossed the sea alone to teach in Dacang and Yuanbei Islands for nine years, promoting Chinese culture. After the restoration of Taiwan, he continued as a teacher of history and Sinology at county-run Baisha Junior High School, later serving as the head of cultural affairs and other administrative roles in Baisha Township for a total of 38 years before retiring at the age limit. Even after retirement, he continued to serve the community through etiquette instruction, geomancy services, composing temple inscriptions, annotating poetry, and passing on Han studies. He was also a member of county committees for cultural records, election affairs, rituals for Confucius, and community ceremonies, and he personally wrote the history and cultural contributions of Penghu. He was recognized as a model father at the county level and honored as a national model elder. Mr. Fang passed away suddenly in January 2001 at the age of 85. He devoted his life to serving the public and left an enduring legacy for future generations to remember and reflect upon. Following a suggestion from the Wadong villagers, the government constructed the memorial park. The statue of Mr. Fang was sculpted by renowned artist Kuo Ching-yun, with financial contributions from Wu Anzhai and Kuo Ching-yun to commemorate his exemplary conduct for future admiration. The coastal highway offers beautiful seaside views, and the park is situated at a height where the pavilion overlooks a vast landscape, allowing for views of the coastline of Houliao, Wadong Harbor, Magong City, and Dacang Island. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the inner sea scenery. At the "Fang Siwen Memorial Park," one can watch the rising tide, gaze at the western shore and Dacang Island, and observe the exposed intertidal zones at low tide, with women intermittently collecting shells along the coast. The winding coastal views present many captivating spots worth pausing to admire. 【Suggested Stay Duration】 0.5 hours
Statue of the Han Student Xian Fang Siwen
