Li Wan Ju Local Spirit Enlightenment Museum Introduction
Mr. Li Wan-ju (1901-1966), born in Wubei Village, Kouhu Township, was an outstanding figure in the local community. Despite growing up in poverty, he worked hard to secure opportunities to study in Shanghai and France. During the Japanese colonial period, after returning to Taiwan with a degree, Li joined the anti-Japanese movement and later organized the Taiwan Xinsheng Newspaper to critique the political situation, advocating for freedom and justice. Throughout the 228 Incident, he continued to fight for democracy, dedicating his life to the democratic movement, and earned the local reputation as the "Voice of Democracy." Li Wan-ju's former residence is located in a small alley next to the Diaotian Temple in Wubei Village. Originally a thatched house, it was rebuilt into a brick structure as living conditions improved. Subsequently, local individuals campaigned for support from the Cultural Affairs Council and worked with scholars and experts to design and construct the site, thus restoring this lost sacred place of democracy. The space was transformed into a cultural education and recreational facility known as the Spiritual Enlightenment Pavilion. The building retains its original dragon architecture style, exhibiting a simple yet elegant charm. The interior features displays with images and text that not only showcase his personal life but also inform visitors about Li Wan-ju's life and early living environment, serving as a community activity space as well. The square in front of the former residence is spacious, accompanied by a pavilion for relaxation. Overall, it exudes a sense of rural simplicity, making it well worth a visit on the weekends. To the north of Mr. Li's former residence lies an ancient well known as "Yaodian Kou," which served as the main water source for residents at the time. Nearby inhabitants would carry water buckets to draw water from it. According to local elders, the ancient well is said to date back to the Ming-Zheng period and is rumored to have been dug by the Dutch, with sweet water. It is also believed locally that the well can predict the weather; any change in weather immediately causes the water to become murky.
