A recently published book is rekindling interest in one of Taiwan’s most important irrigation canals and its impact on national development since the 18th century.
“The Liugong Waterway” by Li Chung-hsin, assistant professor at the Graduate Institute of History at National Changhua University of Education, examines how the canal’s construction influenced the rise and fall of the irrigation community on the Taipei plain over the past 300 years.
“It is important to note that the watercourse influenced the urbanization of Taiwan during the Qing dynasty [1644-1911], Japanese colonial rule [1895-1945] and ROC government of today,” Li said. “This history also reflects changes in the relationships among the early residents, land and society.”
Built in the mid-18th century by the revered Kuo Hsi-liu, Liugong was one of the earliest irrigation projects in northern Taiwan. It originated in New Taipei City’s Xindian district and ran through Jingmei, Gongguan and Songshan of Taipei City.
“The irrigation system successfully transformed the Taipei plain into a major rice growing region in Taiwan, helping spur the development of Bangka and Xinzhuang districts in Taipei and paving way for the city to become the richest in Taiwan,” Li said.
But the canal fell into disuse as the country transformed from an agricultural into an industrial and technology-based economy. “The majority of the public is not fully aware of Liugong’s existence or history, and little effort has been made to retain or inject new life into the watercourse,” Li said.
The importance of waterways in contributing to urban aesthetics and quality of living is vastly underestimated in Taiwan, Li said, citing the Cheonggyecheon urban renewal project in Seoul as an example. “Liugong has the potential to become a similar source of cultural and creative inspiration.”
But before this can happen, the history of the watercourse must be appreciated, Li said. “My book urges the public to reflect on the kind of city it wants, as well as address the never-ending debate on balancing economic growth with quality of life.” (SFC-JSM)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw