City-Designated Historic Site - Qishan Elementary School

In 1898, the Taiwan Governor-General's Office during the Japanese colonial period issued the "Taiwan Public School Order," which stipulated that children aged eight to fourteen could enroll in public schools. This marked the beginning of modern education in Taiwan. In the same year, Qishan established the Fanshuliao Public School for Taiwanese children, which was the predecessor of Qishan Elementary School. Between 1916 and 1921, due to increasing student numbers and insufficient classrooms, the school began constructing a series of connected school buildings on the northeast side year by year. The new buildings were two-story structures with stone arches, featuring a corridor on one side. Their exterior presented a rhythmic facade composed of continuous arches, with round arches on the first floor and flat arches on the second, creating an interesting contrast. The entrance featured a round arched portico protruding from the main building, with a balcony above it. In 1934, an auditorium was also built. Its facade features circular windows, Romanesque arched windows, and a washed aggregate finish on the walls, giving it a very elegant and classical look. Walking through the century-old campus, amidst the flowers and ancient trees, the classical arcaded classrooms exude a charming scholarly atmosphere, with lessons continuing uninterrupted to this day. Although the auditorium has weathered the years, it is still used for various activities after renovation. While admiring these beautifully designed and refined old buildings, one also reflects upon and witnesses the dawn of modern education in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period.