Lien Heng

http://www.history.msstate.edu/wu-lien.htm

Lien Heng (1878-1936): Taiwan’s Search for Identity and Tradition by Shu-Hui Wu

How beautiful is the island of Taiwan! Our Han-Chinese ancestors pioneered this land and we have lived here for several centuries now. We consolidate and we further develop our land. The majestic mountains stretch for hundreds of miles with their erect peaks reaching high into the sky, the highest exceeding thirteen thousand feet. They hug the lowland like grandparents protecting their grandchildren. To the east, the island commands the Pacific Ocean; to the west, it confronts the challenge of the powerful Taiwan Strait. Strong winds blow and storms roar across the island. But nature provides a rich source of food from the sea and a variety of animals from the land. Under the sunny blue sky, an abundance of special flowers and trees gloriously enrich the island. The grandeur is beyond description. As time passes, the sun, moon, and stars bear witness to the rise and fall of people. It is this island that enables those of us who were born here to prosper and grow. However the world may change, this island has supported and prepared its people. It is the will of Heaven, and so it shall be.