Former Site of the Third Provincial Middle School of Shanxi Province

Former Site of the Third Provincial Middle School of Shanxi Province

The Former Site of the Third Provincial Middle School of Shanxi Province is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Former Site of the Third Provincial Middle School of Shanxi Province

Former Site of the Third Provincial Middle School of Shanxi Province (Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units)

Era: Republican Period

Address: Wuzhouchuan, at the foot of Xiyanshan in the western suburbs of Datong City

The school originated as the “Datong Middle School,” established in the 31st year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1905), and has undergone several changes in location and name since then. In 1913, the Third Provincial Middle School of Shanxi Province was officially founded, and in the 23rd year of the Republic of China (1934), it was renamed the “Datong Middle School of Shanxi Province.” In 1972, it became the “Datong Normal School,” the name which has been used ever since.

The buildings face south, and the school gate consists of eight square brick pillars forming the main and side entrances. Beyond the gate lies a one-story office building with a traditional Chinese-style eaves-supported porch along the front façade. About 20 meters behind the office building stands a magnificent auditorium, whose layout resembles a giant elephant lying with its head facing north. Behind the auditorium are 12 individual classrooms located in the center of the campus—four on the north and south sides each, and two on the east and west sides each—forming a square formation. In addition, there are spacious school grounds and a playground.

The architecture of the Former Site of the Third Provincial Middle School of Shanxi Province retains traditional Chinese design elements while also incorporating Western architectural features.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units