Located on the southwestern edge of Yunlin County, Kouhu Township (口湖鄉) is one of Taiwan’s most distinctive coastal communities. Shaped by wetlands, tides, and the quiet resilience of its people, the township’s natural environment has long influenced daily life. Kouhu is also known as the birthplace of one of Taiwan’s early voices for democracy, Li Wan-ju (李萬居). Together, the land and the man form an intertwined story of endurance, identity, and change.
Life shaped by the sea
Despite ongoing environmental challenges such as typhoons, rising sea levels, and coastal erosion, Kouhu has turned its geography into an asset through ecological art, environmental education, and sustainable aquaculture. The township is a major center for milkfish, eel, and oyster farming, and wooden oyster racks stretching into the shallow sea have become an iconic local sight. Temples, fishing ports, and small coastal hamlets reflect centuries of maritime life.
The community leader of Wu Bei District in Kouhu, Wang Chun-sheng, said the area’s agricultural contribution to Taiwan’s economy is highly significant. He also highlighted Kouhu’s growing tourism potential, noting that one to two tourist buses stop at the Kouhu tourism center each day. Visitors to the area are welcomed by local foods, including seafood, sun-dried noodles, and other regional specialties.
The life of Li Wan-ju
One of the most remarkable chapters in Kouhu’s story is the life of Li Wan-ju (1901–1985), an early advocate for democracy, human rights, and press freedom in Taiwan. Born in Wubei Village (梧北村) in Kouhu, Li lost his parents at a young age and grew up in poverty. Despite these hardships, he demonstrated strong academic ability and curiosity.
His childhood home, now preserved as the Li Wan-ju Former Residence and Spirit Enlightenment Hall (李萬居舊居／啟蒙館), stands as a symbol of perseverance. Li later studied in Shanghai before traveling to France, where he completed his higher education. His exposure to Western political thought played a key role in shaping his democratic ideals.
After returning to Taiwan, Li Wan-ju worked as a writer, legislator, and political advocate. His contributions included promoting freedom of the press, advocating legal fairness and judicial reform, participating in early efforts toward democratic assembly and constitutional oversight, and writing extensively on political ethics, governance, and civic responsibility.
The connection between Kouhu and Li Wan-ju goes beyond the fact that it was his birthplace. The values he upheld reflect the environment he came from, shaped by hardship, persistence, and quiet determination. Today, his former residence serves as a cultural site where visitors can learn about his life and ideas.
Kouhu is a place where winds shape wetlands, tides continually reshape the shoreline, and generations of residents adapt with determination. It is also a township with a deep cultural memory, one that gave Taiwan a courageous figure in Li Wan-ju.
Together, Kouhu and Li Wan-ju tell a story of environment and humanity, of hardship and hope, and of how even the quietest coastal villages can leave a lasting mark on history.