Hsu Ping-den

Hsu Ping-den (1899-1977), born in Tainan, was a writer, poet, and cultural figure whose work spanned classical poetry and prose, popular literature, and folk songs. Writing in Taiwanese from the perspective of ordinary people, he was particularly known for his depictions of Tainan’s local customs, traditions, and everyday life, and his writing was often infused with humor and satire. His best-known works include the novel The Little Investiture of the Gods (Xiao Fengshen) and the lyrics to “Kang-máng Flower.” He was an important literary and cultural figure in Tainan during the prewar and postwar periods.