Artist paints legacy of patriotic general

Hsueh Ying-tung, an anime director from Taiwan, aims to breathe new life into the story of the legendary hero Zheng Chenggong (1624-62) through captivating animations and immersive gaming experiences that portray the general's struggles at sea and his courageous defense of the homeland.

"I really admire him navigating the treacherous waters and fighting to safeguard the nation's land and sovereignty," said Hsueh, who has heard the legendary tales of Zheng from a young age as the general made land on the island at his hometown Tainan.

Hsueh's childhood explorations would often lead him to the historical sites where Zheng clashed with the Dutch invaders, particularly at the fortress originally constructed by the Dutch as Fort Zeelandia, later renamed Anping Old Fort after being taken by Zheng. In his hometown, a special temple dedicated to Zheng further solidified the hero's place in local lore.