Xinjie Elementary School Japanese Dormitory群 Introduction
In the bustling Yanping Road of Zhongli, the "Renhai Palace," with over a century of history, is always filled with worshippers, attracting many believers to visit and pay respects. In addition to its historic temples, the cultural landscape of the urban area is quite rich. Located within the Xin-jie Elementary School, the "Japanese Dormitories" have been renovated and become the first historic building situated in a school campus in Taoyuan. Along with the abundant historical and cultural scenery in the surrounding area, Zhongli offers not just Hakka customs but also a charming and light journey to appreciate historical elegance and local culture. Entering Xin-jie Elementary School, on the northern side behind the newly built Chao Yang Building, there stands a long-standing wooden Japanese building, whose nostalgic and simple Japanese style attracts the attention of passersby. Built in the 9th year of the Shōwa era (1934), this Japanese dormitory was originally designated for faculty and staff during the Japanese colonial period. In 2003, when the school was undergoing reconstruction, this Japanese house, with over 80 years of history, was discovered. Due to its well-preserved condition and value for preservation, it was submitted by the Taoyuan Cultural Affairs Bureau to the National Cultural Heritage Administration and was officially registered as a historic building in 2004. Restoration work began in 2005 and took four years to complete. The historical charm has attracted numerous visitors, who stop to take photos and enjoy a brief rest on the open corridors in front of the dormitory, savoring leisurely moments. Currently, the Japanese dormitory is a single-story wooden structure with a slanted roof, creating a dynamic height. It is covered with black-gray cement tiles, enhancing its Japanese elegance. The dormitory features courtyards both in front and behind, showing its former grandeur. The outer walls are well-preserved, and the floor and base have been raised by about 60 centimeters. This elevated floor construction allows for air circulation and prevents dampness, forming an open corridor where visitors can sit and experience the lifestyle of old Japanese houses. This space is arranged quite elegantly, making it pleasant to explore. Regardless of which corner of the house visitors choose to sit in, they will be immersed in the strong Japanese ambiance, complemented by the greenery alongside the pathway, encouraging visitors to linger. In spring, it transforms into a cherry blossom secret spot, avoiding crowds and offering a different scenic experience of cherry blossoms. Additionally, within the campus, there are informational signs about the Japanese Dormitory, a wooden walkway in a timeline corridor, an ecological landscape pond, and guide signs for nearby attractions, all planned to serve as spaces for community arts and educational activities, bridging this vintage house into the everyday lives of people without feeling distant. If visitors have already arrived at Xin-jie Elementary School, it is worth taking a short walk to simultaneously explore attractions such as Shengji Pavilion, Renhai Palace, Jiangxia Hall, Yuanhua Courtyard, and Yi-shi Hall, enriching their urban adventure with cultural significance.
