By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department (compiled and reported)
Taiwan’s history of being ruled by the Dutch and the Japanese has left behind historical relics that give the island an exotic charm. In Yuanli Township, Miaoli, there is an elementary school built during the Japanese colonial period in 1898. Having stood for over a century, it has transformed from a school into a dormitory, then remained unused for many years, once facing demolition. This nostalgic Japanese-style building has become one of Miaoli’s popular attractions, and photos taken here seem to transport you back in time.
In 1898 (Meiji 31), this Yuanli Public School (elementary school) was established (Image source / Council of Hakka Affairs)
In 1946, it was renamed Shanjiao National School and has retained the name to this day (Image source / Council of Hakka Affairs)
The Shanjiao Elementary School dormitory was rebuilt after the 1935 Central Taiwan Earthquake (Image source / Council of Hakka Affairs)
Japan introduced modern education to Taiwan, pioneering national education. This dormitory building can be considered a living historical relic that bears witness to history. As a result, the school proposed its restoration and preservation, submitting an application for historical building registration. After on-site inspection by historical building review committee members invited by the Miaoli County Cultural Affairs Bureau, it was officially listed as a historical building.
The Shanjiao Elementary School dormitory once faced the threat of demolition (Image source / Council of Hakka Affairs)
The proposal to register the Shanjiao Elementary School as a historical building was made during its 90th anniversary celebration (Image source / Council of Hakka Affairs)
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