Historic Sites of the "Second Jimei School Village" in Datian During the War of Resistance Against Japan

Historic Sites of the "Second Jimei School Village" in Datian During the War of Resistance Against Japan

The historic sites of the "Second Jimei School Village" in Datian during the War of Resistance Against Japan are designated as cultural heritage sites under protection in Fujian Province and are also recognized as classic red tourism destinations.

The historic sites of the "Second Jimei School Village" in Datian during the War of Resistance Against Japan are located in Yutian Village, Junxi Town, Datian County, dating back to 1938–1946.

Introduction: In May 1938, due to the outbreak of the War of Resistance and the fall of Xiamen, Jimei School was forced to relocate inland. It was not until 1946 that all its facilities returned to Xiamen, spanning a total of eight years. The "Second Jimei School Village" collectively refers to the former sites of the Jimei Advanced Agricultural and Forestry Vocational School, Jimei Advanced Commercial Vocational School, Jimei Advanced Aquatic and Nautical Vocational School, and the affiliated Yutian National School established jointly by the three schools when they were relocated to Yutian Village, Junxi Town, Datian County during the wartime. The extant buildings at these historic sites that are relatively well-preserved include: the former site of the Faculty Office (Shunshan Hall), the former site of the Jimei Advanced Agricultural and Forestry Vocational School (Zhengwang Ancestral Hall), the former site of the Faculty Dormitory (Laiyi Hall), the former site of the Jimei Advanced Commercial Vocational School (Guanyin Hall), the former residence of Tan Kah Kee (Zhongting Hall), the former site of the Jimei Advanced Agricultural and Forestry Vocational School (Zifang Ancestral Hall – Gaoping Hall), the former site of the Jimei Advanced Commercial Vocational School (Diguang Hall), the former school buildings of Jimei Vocational School and the Anti-Japanese Salvation Drama Society (Wenpai Ancestral Hall – Gaoping Hall), the former site of the Jimei Advanced Aquatic and Nautical Vocational School (Jihe Hall), the former residences of Chen Cunmu and Zhuang Shu (Jishan Hall), the former site of the Yutian National School of Jimei Vocational School, the former site of the Jimei Advanced Aquatic and Nautical Vocational School (Yuxiu Hall), the former site of the Jimei Advanced Agricultural and Forestry Vocational School (Liuxing Hall), the former site of the Jimei Advanced Commercial Vocational School (Qiweng Hall), the former site of the classrooms and dormitories of the (Business Department) of Jimei Vocational School (Zilai Hall), and the former site of the Forest Classroom. Some of these sites still bear the inscription “Cheng Yi” (Sincerity and Fortitude) handwritten by Mr. Tan Kah Kee.

Protected Area: An extension of 20 meters outward from the perimeter of each individual structure.

In 2018, the historic sites of the "Second Jimei School Village" in Datian during the War of Resistance Against Japan were announced by the People’s Government of Fujian Province as part of the ninth batch of provincial-level cultural heritage protection units.

Yutian Village: Commonly referred to as Xiaotian, Yutian Village is located southwest of the county seat, with the village elevation at 350 meters. Yutian Village (Township) is a millennial ancient settlement. In 905 AD, Fan Yuanchao (an imperial censor) and his son Fan Zigao (Minister of Rites) resigned from their official posts and relocated with their families to Fengcheng Township, Youxi County (now Xiaotian in Datian County), where they settled, thrived, and cultivated the land. Descendants of Fan Yuanchao and Fan Zigao, who came from official backgrounds, placed great emphasis on civilization and etiquette, and this heritage has been passed down through generations, forming an enduring tradition of ancient culture. During the Republican era, Xiaotian was home to residents surnamed Fan, Yang, Yan, Lin, Huang, Le, Xiao, Shi, Su, Guo, and others, who lived in harmony, supporting one another through thick and thin... More details about Yutian Village ++

Further Reading:

· Ninth Batch of Provincial-Level Cultural Heritage Protection Units in Fujian Province