Fangli Stream Charitable Ferry Pavilion

In early years, there was no clear distinction between the waterways of Fangli Stream and Daan Stream. Essentially, after the stream water flowed to Liyu Lake, the portion that flowed northwest via the Fangli village coast into the sea was called 'Fangli Stream,' and the portion that flowed southwest into Daan Port was called 'Daan Stream.' However, whenever there was heavy rain, Fangli Stream and Daan Stream would frequently flood, with the water often surging downstream. The river surfaces of the two streams would intertwine, spanning up to ten li, making it extremely difficult for travelers to cross the river. Local despots and rogues often hired people to operate ferries, extorting exorbitant fares on various pretexts. If travelers refused to pay, they would even be violently robbed, causing great suffering to the common people. In the 17th year of the Daoguang reign (1837), Lou Yun, then the Tongzhi (Assistant Prefect) of Tamsui Subprefecture, came forward to eradicate these abuses. He invited local gentry to donate to a charitable ferry fund. They purchased public land (yitian), and then used the annual rent from this land to cover the charitable ferry expenses, establishing six charitable ferry crossings at various river points in one go. This initiative not only solved the problem of travelers crossing rivers but also greatly contributed to the development of local transportation and the promotion of land reclamation. The inscription on the charitable ferry monument horizontally reads 'Proclamation by Lou, Assistant Prefect of Tamsui Subprefecture.' The central vertical inscription reads 'Official Charitable Ferry of Fangli Stream.' The right-side inscription states: 'Charitable ferry established since the Dingyou year of Daoguang (1837), with official funds provided for labor and provisions. Travelers arriving may cross at will, and no solicitations for money are permitted. Violators will be reported to officials for severe punishment.' The left-side inscription states: 'Erected by Lou Yun of Shanyin, Assistant Prefect of Tamsui Subprefecture with added prefectural title.' The charitable ferry monument was initially erected by the Fangli Stream. As transportation gradually developed, the demand for charitable ferries decreased. The monument was once lost but has now been recovered and stands in front of Shuntian Temple at the Charitable Ferry Pavilion, for future generations to remember.