Xiaoximen Model Toilet Introduction
The Xiaoxi Men Model Toilet was built in 1917 (the 6th year of the Republic of China) with funding from Wu Chao-Ping after his return from overseas business. Wu Chao-Ping (1854-1936), also known by the name Guang-Ping (commonly used in Indonesia and Singapore), was from Xiaoxi Men. In 1874 (the 13th year of the Tongzhi era in Qing Dynasty), he went to Sumatra, Indonesia, and, along with friends, established a trading company called "Cheng Shun Fu" in the glass-producing harbor of Tanjung Balai Asahan, engaging in local trade. He later moved to Singapore, actively participating in various charitable activities in Southeast Asia. In addition to establishing Pei Shan School in the Sulu Islands, he also engaged in activities with the Kinmen Association in Singapore, such as sponsoring the reconstruction of the Wujiang Fuzhi Temple in 1919 and investing 1,000 Straits dollars at the establishment of the Kinmen Shipping Company in 1922, which was the highest contribution among overseas Chinese merchants at that time. He was also honored with the title of Kapitan in Sumatra, Indonesia, and spent his later years living in Gulangyu, Xiamen. After achieving success in business, in 1900 (the 27th year of the Guangxu era), Wu Chao-Ping returned to Xiaoxi Men and planned a row of three two-storey large houses, completed in 1903, 1905, and 1915 respectively. The old latrine of the Xiaoxi Men settlement was originally located in front of Wu Chao-Ping's newly established houses. To improve the living environment and sanitation, Wu Chao-Ping negotiated with the villagers to move the latrine to the southwestern outskirts of the village. Wu then purchased land and rebuilt a "Model Toilet" in 1917. The Model Toilet was equipped with 22 toilet pits numbered according to the original households, each consisting of a toilet area and a collection tank. The pits numbered 1 and 2 belonged to Wu Chao-Ping's family, featuring a roof for privacy, while the remaining 20 open toilet pits' locations were determined by lottery, with contracts establishing ownership. Each household was allocated a toilet pit, which they could manage for collecting water and fertilizer. The Xiaoxi Men Model Toilet evolved from traditional latrines, serving the dual functions of providing public sanitation and supplying agricultural fertilizer, reflecting the contributions of the rural diaspora towards improving environmental health and facilities. (Source: Kinmen County Cultural Affairs Bureau)
