The most nostalgic dormitory from the Japanese colonial period—Shanjiao Elementary School—revives its legendary history

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department, compiled and reported

Taiwan, having been ruled by the Dutch and the Japanese, is filled with exotic charm due to the historical relics left behind. In Yuanli Township, Miaoli, there is an elementary school built during the Japanese colonial period in 1898. After enduring over a century of splendor, it was transformed from an original school into a dormitory, then left unused for many years, and once faced the threat of demolition. The nostalgic Japanese-style building has become one of Miaoli’s popular attractions, and the photos taken there seem to transport you through time, back to the past.

Japan introduced modern education to Taiwan, pioneering national education. This dormitory building can be considered a living historical monument witnessing history. As a result, the school proposed its restoration and preservation, submitting an application for historical building registration. After on-site investigation by historical building review committee members invited by Miaoli County Cultural Affairs Bureau, it was announced as a registered historical building.