The Beginning of Empirical Research on Chinese Islands: Focusing on Loa Kai-Foo's Early Exploration

Abstract

Loa Kai-Foo investigated an island inside the Lingding Ocean, which is outside the Pearl River Delta, in his early years, and arrived on the same island thrice. Finally, he and his three classmates completed a report titled, "Qi ao Island." Later, he read by candlelight at night, telling the knowledge contained in a map named "Zhoushan Island" and writing the article "Zhoushan Island." These two results represent new explorations in the empirical study of islands in China. Among them, "Qi ao Island" signifies the start-up phase of island research and talent cultivation in the Republic of China, whereas "Zhoushan Island" signifies the comprehensive follow-up analysis of islands. The author, who has not been to Zhoushan Island, can describe the actual situation on the island based on the principle of map reading. The two articles are not only a reflection of Mr. Luo's interest toward the island and his courage to explore but also a reflection of his research method of combining geography and humanities, and more importantly, a reminder of the importance of literature review. In fact, these two achievements simultaneously established a volt line in the history of island research in our country.

Keywords

• loa kai-foo
• geography
• anthropology
• qi-ao island
• zhou-shan island
• academic history