In Taiwan’s thousand-year recorded history, although from the Yuan Dynasty through the Ming Dynasty, Japanese wokou pirates along the coast committed murder and robbery, causing Chinese authorities to tighten maritime policy and leading Taiwan through a dark period. However, in Taiwan’s long and venerable history, if we discuss who contributed most to Taiwan’s development, it must be attributed to Liu Mingchuan of the Qing Dynasty, whose achievements span transportation, agriculture, schools, aboriginal pacification, finance, and county planning, earning him the title of Father of Taiwan’s Modernization.
Liu Mingchuan, courtesy name Xingsan, native of Hefei, Anhui Province. He came from a family with six brothers, ranking sixth as the youngest child. Because his face was marked with pockmarks, some also called him “Liu the Pockmarked Six.” Liu Mingchuan was skilled in poetry and literature, bold and courageous in temperament, with extraordinary courage and audacity. Though he had not read much, he was a rare genius in the Qing Dynasty. Over a hundred years ago, he was ordered by the Qing Emperor to come to Taiwan to serve as the first Viceroy. During his tenure, he constructed many modernization projects for Taiwan (such as the railway, earning him the title Father of Taiwan Railways) and pioneered many innovative social systems, gradually transforming Taiwan into a beautiful island with development.
In the year 1853 C.E., Hong Xiuquan captured Nanjing and proclaimed the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. At eighteen years old, Liu Mingchuan was nominated by his fellow villagers to become the garrison commander, thus beginning his military career of killing enemies and protecting the people. Rising from common people, Liu Mingchuan lacked the burdens of civil service exams and bureaucratic constraints. With the conviction to “use Taiwan’s modest installations as models for the entire nation, taking one island as the foundation for national wealth and strength,” he comprehensively absorbed modern knowledge and personally devoted himself to Taiwan’s construction, allowing Taiwan to take steps toward modernization.
Liu Mingchuan’s Accomplishments
- Expanding County and Prefectural Planning: Besides Taipei Prefecture, he transformed Taiwan Prefecture into Tainan Prefecture, established Taiwan Prefecture in the central region, drafted provincial capital plans, giving the province a total of three prefectures, one state, three administrative divisions, and eleven counties.
- Expanding Aboriginal Pacification: Improving their living conditions, establishing an aboriginal school in Taipei.
- Developing Transportation Infrastructure: In 1891 the Keelung-Taipei railway opened for operation—this was the first passenger railway in all of China! Later he also purchased eight steamships, reaching as far as Southeast Asia, connecting north-south telegraph lines, and extending to Fujian.
- Clearing Tax Affairs: Establishing an official silver bureau to manufacture silver coins—a Taiwan first for self-manufactured silver dollars!
- Promoting Agriculture: Planting mulberry, raising silkworms, water conservancy irrigation, planting tea, cultivating cotton.
- Establishing New-Style Schools: In 1885, founded the Western Learning School in Dadaocheng’s Six Halls Street, Taipei—this was Taiwan’s first new-style school. And in 1886, established the Telegraph School on Changchang Street in Dadaocheng.
Small Stories About Liu Mingchuan
Liu Mingchuan was able to be valued and subsequently become Taiwan’s Viceroy—there was actually an interesting story behind this!
At that time, Zeng Guofan was searching for talented people. Liu Mingchuan, through Li Hongzhang’s recommendation, was about to meet with Zeng Guofan. However, besides Liu Mingchuan, Li Hongzhang also recommended two scholars. Seeing these three people, Zeng Guofan decided to carefully evaluate them to determine whose character and virtue were best. Thus, he arranged for these three to come to his residence for discussion.
When the appointed time arrived, all three were waiting in the reception hall, yet Zeng Guofan’s person never appeared. In fact, Zeng Guofan was hiding behind a curtain, secretly observing their attitudes. The two scholars appeared very impatient, complaining constantly. Meanwhile, Liu Mingchuan sat alone quietly, observing the calligraphy and paintings on the wall. Later, when Zeng Guofan asked them about the calligraphy and paintings in the reception hall, only Liu Mingchuan could answer correctly. Liu Mingchuan’s composed demeanor and fluent responses deeply impressed Zeng Guofan. As a result, Liu Mingchuan was recommended as Taiwan’s Viceroy.
Liu Mingchuan spent six years in Taiwan. In 1887, he completed the work of establishing the province, transforming Taiwan into the most modernized province at the time of the Self-Strengthening Movement. His achievements and efforts remain forever in everyone’s hearts!