Spring Festival uncrowded attractions VI / Ultra-homely elementary school & the elephant slide that survived the 921 earthquake

Reported by Reporter You & Compiled by

With the Spring Festival holiday lasting nine days, where’s the best place to go? This time, ETtoday News Cloud has invited professional domestic travel expert Roulu to share eight amazing lesser-known spots across Taiwan that are perfect for the New Year and won’t be crowded. Covering all regions—northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan—from the first to the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, there’s a scenic route for each day. As long as you have a car, you can easily take the whole family on a fun road trip.

[Nantou - Qingshui Elementary School]
Known as "the most homestay-like school in all of Taiwan," Qingshui Elementary School was completely destroyed in the 921 earthquake and later rebuilt, featuring a distinctive blend of European and Japanese architectural styles. Many people even call to ask, "Do you still have rooms available tonight?"—a testament to the school’s strong vacation-like, relaxing vibe, making it a highly worthwhile destination for a holiday visit.


▲%... (text garbled) ... is a very worthy destination for a holiday trip. (Image / Provided by Gourmet Journey: The 10 Happy One-Day Light Trips in Taiwan)


As soon as you step onto the campus, rows of European-style wooden cottages come into view, with cute folded-ear cat sculptures and lighthouses on the rooftops, giving the feel of stepping into another country. Roulu describes Qingshui Elementary School: "From afar, the classrooms look like a puff-puff train chugging along, and the bell tower resembles the smokestack of a train engine." This also adds a playful touch to this small mountain school, making you feel as if you’ve truly arrived at a natural platform, waiting to board a 'Childhood Express' train.

  ▲ The elephant slide has accompanied Qingshui Elementary School through the 921 earthquake. (Photo / Provided by Roulu)

Suggested itinerary: Pure Tea Giant Version → Japanese Style: Qingshui Elementary School → Lunch: Tudi Gong Instant Noodles → Power Rangers Base, Yuchi Black Beef Noodles → Liao Township Chief’s Black Tea House → Paper Dome Church