Li Wan-ju's Former Residence (Li Wan-ju Spirit Enlightenment Museum)

Mr. Li Wan-ju, whose courtesy name was Mengnan, was a native of Wubei Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County, born on July 22, 1901. In his childhood, his family was poor, and his father died young. He laid his foundation in Chinese studies through self-study and diligent effort. In 1924, with the financial support of relatives and villagers, he went to Shanghai to study, and in 1926, he went to France for further studies, obtaining a degree from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Paris in 1932. Mr. Li Wan-ju was a pioneer and enlightener of Taiwan's democratic movement. He advocated for lifting party bans and newspaper bans, promoted judicial reform, and dedicated himself wholeheartedly to democratic political reform. Throughout his life, he pursued democracy and freedom in Taiwan and actively participated in local politics. His spirit in striving for press freedom and political human rights is truly admirable. To further implement party politics and promote democracy and freedom in Taiwan, in 1950, he collaborated with Lei Chen and others to plan the establishment of the China Democratic Party. Although it ultimately failed under the severe high-pressure rule of the authorities, his exemplary conduct is worthy of admiration by future generations. He passed away in 1966 due to a diabetic attack, at the age of 66. Currently, Mr. Li Wan-ju's former residence, located next to Diaotian Temple in Wubei Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County, has been renovated and transformed into the Li Wan-ju Spirit Enlightenment Museum, thanks to the active efforts of local residents, becoming one of the important cultural attractions in Kouhu Township.