Remember the "elephant slide" from back then? You can still find one at Yong'an Elementary School in Tainan.

▲The elephant slide.

Reported and photographed by You t
ru / Tainan

Do you remember that elephant slide that brought so much joy in your childhood? Washed stone, which is rarely seen in urban areas, is used at Yong'an Elementary School in Houpi, Tainan. This old school still features an “elephant slide” — something only seen in long-established schools — and it remains tucked away in a corner of the campus, enduring through the passage of time.


▲An “elephant slide” only found in old schools.

Established in 1961, Yong'an Elementary School is a beautiful campus surrounded by greenery. Recently, with the opening of the Teddy Bear Painted Rice Field, it has gradually started attracting visitors. If you visit during the limited open hours on holidays, you can still see a playground featuring an elephant slide — something uncommon in most urban schools.

“Due to safety concerns, many older schools have removed their elephant slides,” noted local guide Mr. Lian. Though the washed-stone elephant slides are precious, their harder material occasionally leads to injuries when children use them improperly, which is why many schools have taken them down. Only a very small number of schools in Taiwan still have elephant slides.

This elephant slide at Yong'an Elementary School bears an inscription showing it was a gift from the school’s first cohort of students, even including the word “responsible.” Even after decades, the slide remains well-maintained, with the old elephant standing proudly on campus, continuing to guard the laughter of students.

A special reminder: Although Yong'an Elementary School opens to the general public on holidays due to the Teddy Bear Painted Rice Field, visitors are asked not to disturb the cleanliness and tranquility of the campus.

%Please be mindful and help preserve its serene environment.


Address: No. 48-5, Jiatai Li, Houpi District, Tainan City