Yamashita Private Irrigation Canal Monument

Date Captured June 21, 2024 at 07:25 UTC Camera DC-S5M2 Lens LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Aperture ƒ / 3.5 Shutter Speed 1/60 sec Focal Length 20.0 mm ISO 160 Exposure Value 9.5  EV Original Size 3600 × 2400

A small stone stelae commemorating the reconstruction of an irrigation canal next to the mountains in Shoufeng in March 1935. It was funded by the townspeople of the nearby Yamashita (山下) community, an outpost of the larger Fengtian Immigrant Village (豐田移民村). The inscription credits a founder named Sunada Yasuji (砂田保次) and 123 others; its front face was later cemented over and defaced after the Japanese settlers and colonial administration departed. Long mistaken for a land deity (地神) marker, the stone was correctly identified only in 2003, when it was more closely inspected during canal repairs.

Date Captured June 21, 2024 at 07:25 UTC Camera DC-S5M2 Lens LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Aperture ƒ / 3.5 Shutter Speed 1/60 sec Focal Length 20.0 mm ISO 320 Exposure Value 9.5  EV Original Size 3600 × 2400

The monument is difficult to reach from the roadside; look for it next to the irrigation canal below the roadbed (e.g. toward the valley), and be prepared to navigate a treacherous slope or bushwhack through the undergrowth if you wish to see the front face of the stelae, which is mounted on an impressive natural rock outcrop. Access is also possible by following the irrigation canal below.

Date Captured June 21, 2024 at 07:25 UTC Camera Galaxy S23 Lens Samsung Galaxy S23 Rear Ultrawide Camera Aperture ƒ / 2.2 Shutter Speed 1/60 sec Focal Length 2.2 mm ISO 200 Exposure Value 8.2  EV Original Size 2400 × 3600

Date Captured June 21, 2024 at 07:29 UTC Camera DC-S5M2 Lens LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Aperture ƒ / 3.5 Shutter Speed 1/60 sec Focal Length 20.0 mm ISO 320 Exposure Value 9.5  EV Original Size 2400 × 3600