Lu Shui Cao Tang – Shih-hsien Chen
In order to preserve Lukang’s culture, Master Chen published books at his own expenses. Even though he has accumulated debts, he still thinks its worthy of doing it. He has been invited to give numerous speeches.
Master Chen’s books, published at his own expenses, and awards are displayed in Lu Shui cao Tang, where we not only peeked Lukang’s history but also glimpsed his profound experiences!
Strong Willpower
(Figure 1) Outstanding Taiwanese Literature Award
In order to preserve and extend the heritage and cultural assets of Lukang Township, Master Chen has gathered data and published books at his own expenses. The contents of his books are mainly related to heritage, culture, and religion.
(Figure 1) Outstanding Taiwanese Literature Award In order to preserve and extend the heritage and cultural assets of Lukang Township, Master Chen has gathered data and published books at his own expenses. The contents of his books are mainly related to heritage, culture, and religion. Master Chen has borrowed four million from a bank in order to publish books. So far, he has published 24 books, only for keeping a complete record of Lukang’s heritage. He deserves respect and praise for the efforts he put in, so he was awarded the 5th Outstanding Taiwanese Literature Award.(see Figure 1)
Master Chen began to photograph Lukang since the age of 17 and started to study Lukang’s culture and history since year 2000. He is dedicated and careful to his work, so he waited until the age of 32 to publish his first book.
A Man Who Implements before Considering the Debts
(Figure 2) Master Chen displayed his bank account book.
Master Chen began to take pictures since the age of 17. In the beginning, he knew nothing about photography and had no money to hire professional photographer, so he learned to take pictures from imitating others’ photos to learn photography skills.
Master Chen loaned 4 million from a bank to publish his books. He showed us his bank account book, with a negative number on each line, and said it was worthy because nothing could be more important than preserving Lukang’s culture, even if he lost money. He believes the right thing, which is to preserve heritage here, must be done right away because we never know what would happen next second.
Heritage Tour
(Figure 3) Shih-hsien Chen Chinese calligraphy
Master Chen is not only a writer but also a Lukang heritage tour guide. He admitted that a tourist had asked him a question and he didn’t know the answer, so he honestly told the tourist, “Sorry, I haven’t studied this part.” He believes there is always more to learn.
Master Chen admitted that he used to be afraid of making a speech in public, but for Lukang, he bravely took the microphone and did it. He enjoys being a heritage tour guide now because the job let him meet many new friends as well as feeling accomplished.
Postscript
(Figure 4) Photo with Master Shih-hsien Chen
I feel it’s rare that someone believes it’s worthy of loaning money from bank for preserving Lukang’s culture. Master Chen began to learn photography since the age of 17. He humbly learned from others to grow his skills. There must be a lot of frustration. I think he deserves the Wenxin Award. Preserving Lukang’s culture is Master Chen’s first priority, so he will do whatever it takes. He is a good example for all Lukang residents!
