You Mijian

You Mijian
You Mijian
Personal details
Born	21 October 1897; Taiwan, Japan
Died	12 December 1971 (aged 74); Taipei, ROC
Nationality	Republic of China

You Mijian (October 21, 1897 - December 12, 1971), originally known as You Bai, was a Taiwanese politician and member of the Chinese Kuomintang. Born in Wanchai Village in present-day Neihu District, Taipei City (then Taipei Prefecture under Japanese rule), he served as the mayor of Taipei.

Early Life and Education

You Mijian (born You Bai on October 21, 1897) came from a family with a long lineage in Taiwan, tracing their roots to Zhao'an County, Fujian Province. Growing up in Wanchai Village, Taipei, he was the sixth-generation descendant in Taiwan, and his family was primarily engaged in agriculture. His father, You Shi Neng, also ran a grocery store, while his mother, Lin Chou, was from a scholarly family in Nangang.

Early Career (1910-1927)

At 13, You Mijian attended Songshan Public School. He pursued further studies at Taiwan Governor's Mandarin School and later trained as a disciplinarian, teaching at various schools before being promoted to Chengde College. At 27, he went to Japan to study political economics at Nihon University and later studied at Sciences Po in Paris, gaining exposure to political and economic theory.

Political Career and Diplomatic Service (1927–1945)

In 1927, You moved to Peking, working initially in a printing factory and later as a teacher in Nanjing. Introduced to the Kuomintang by the military scientist Jiang Baili, You became a political instructor at the Central Military Academy. In 1932, he served as Wellington Koo’s secretary, gaining experience at the French Embassy and studying at the University of Paris. Following a successful diplomatic stint, he returned to China, where he worked in finance and education in Hunan Province, implementing tax reforms that greatly increased revenue.

Return to Taiwan and Political Roles (1945–1950)

After Taiwan’s recovery in 1945, You was appointed as the financial commissioner and became the Mayor of Taipei. He utilized his position to acquire and repurpose Japanese assets and promoted cultural initiatives, such as the founding of Taiwan Oriental Publishing House and the Taiwan Cultural Association.

Later Career and Contributions (1950–1971)

Following his resignation as mayor in 1950, You Mijian continued to influence Taiwan's economy and culture. He served as a professor at National Taiwan University, chairman of the Taiwan Paper Industry, and held significant roles in organizations like the Mandarin Daily News and the Taiwan Tourism Association, earning him the title "Father of Taiwan’s Tourism Industry."

Death

You Mijian passed away on December 12, 1971, in Taipei.

Family

His second wife, Wang Shumin, has the eldest son Bingmao (born to the first wife), the second son Jingxi, the third son Zongxi, and the fourth son Fuxi.