Xin Street Elementary School Japanese Dormitory Group Introduction
Arriving at the bustling Yanping Road in Zhongli, the "Renhai Temple," which has a history of over a hundred years, is always filled with devotees coming to worship. In addition to the ancient temple, the cultural landscape in the city is also quite rich. The "Japanese Dormitory," located within the Xin Street Elementary School, has been renovated and has become the first historical building situated on a campus in Taoyuan. Coupled with the rich historical and cultural scenery in the surrounding area, Zhongli offers not only Hakka culture but also a chance for a leisurely journey to appreciate its historical elegance and local cultural uniqueness. Walking into Xin Street Elementary School, behind the newly built Chao Yang Building on the northern side, there is a historic wooden Japanese building that attracts the attention of passersby with its nostalgic and quaint Japanese style. Built in the ninth year of the Showa era (1934), this Japanese dormitory was originally used as staff accommodation for teachers and staff during the Japanese occupation. Later, during the campus reconstruction project in the 92nd year of the Republic (2003), this 80-plus-year-old Japanese structure was discovered. Since it was well-preserved and held historical value, it was submitted by the Taoyuan Cultural Bureau to the Cultural Heritage Administration and was approved for registration as a historical building in the 93rd year of the Republic (2004). Restoration began in the 94th year of the Republic (2005) and took four years to complete. The charming historical elegance of the structure has drawn many visitors who stop to take photos and enjoy a moment of relaxation on the open corridor in front of the dormitory, savoring the leisurely moments away from the hustle of life. Currently, the Japanese Dormitory is a single-story wooden building with a sloped roof that adds a sense of dimension. Roofed with black-gray tiles, it further enhances its Japanese charm. The dormitory features courtyards both in front and behind, showcasing the grandeur of the past. The outer walls remain well-preserved, and the floor and foundation have been elevated about 60 centimeters. This elevated construction method not only allows for air circulation to prevent dampness but also creates an open corridor where one can sit and feel the nostalgic ambiance of old Japanese living. This elegantly arranged space is not only comfortable to stroll through, but sitting in any corner of the dormitory offers a strong sense of Japanese style. The greenery beside the dormitory invites visitors to linger even more. In spring, it transforms into a secret cherry blossom viewing spot, avoiding the crowds while enjoying a different cherry blossom experience. Additionally, the campus is equipped with informational signage about the Japanese Dormitory, a time-space corridor wooden walkway, an ecological landscape water pond, and guiding signs for surrounding attractions, making it a space for community art and cultural activities as well as school teaching, bringing this historic building into everyday life without feeling distant. If visitors arrive at Xin Street Elementary School, they might as well take a short walk to visit nearby attractions such as Shengjiting, Renhai Temple, Jiangxiatang, Yuanhua Courtyard, and Yishitang, enriching their urban exploration with a strong cultural atmosphere.
