Japanese Dormitory Group of Xinjie Elementary School Introduction
In the bustling Yongping Road of Zhongli, the "Renhai Temple," which has a history of over a century, is always filled with worshippers, attracting many believers to come and pay their respects. In addition to the historic temple, the cultural landscape in the city is also quite rich. Located within the Xin Street Elementary School, the "Japanese Dormitory" has become the first historical building situated on a school campus in Taoyuan after its renovation. With the surrounding rich historical and cultural landscapes, Zhongli offers not only Hakka charm but also a light travel experience that showcases the historical elegance and local culture. Entering Xin Street Elementary School, on the north side behind the newly built Chaoyang Building, there is a historically significant wooden Japanese-style building. Its nostalgic and quaint Japanese design attracts the attention of passersby. This Japanese dormitory, built in Sho-wa 9 (1934), served as a staff dormitory during the Japanese occupation. Later, during the campus reconstruction in 2003, this dormitory, which holds over 80 years of history, was discovered. Due to its well-preserved condition, it was deemed worthy of preservation. After being submitted by the Taoyuan Cultural Bureau to the National Cultural Heritage Administration, it was officially registered as a historical building in 2004, and restoration work began in 2005, taking four years to complete. The antique charm draws many visitors who stop to take photos and enjoy a moment of leisure in the open corridor in front of the dormitory, savoring the tranquil moments of life. Currently, the Japanese dormitory is a single-story wooden building with a sloped roof, giving it a varied height and a distinctive appearance, covered with black-gray cement tiles that enhance its Japanese elegance. It features courtyards both in front and behind, showcasing its former grandeur. The outer walls are also well-preserved, and the floors and foundation have been elevated about 60 centimeters. This raised floor construction not only allows for air circulation to prevent humidity but also creates an open corridor where one can sit and experience the lifestyle of old Japanese houses. The space is arranged quite elegantly, making it pleasant to stroll through. No matter which corner of the dormitory one chooses to sit in, there is a strong sense of Japanese atmosphere. Additionally, the greenery along the walkway next to the dormitory encourages tourists to linger. In spring, it transforms into a cherry blossom haven, not only avoiding crowds but also allowing visitors to experience a unique spring cherry blossom ambiance. Furthermore, the campus features informational boards about the Japanese dormitory, a wooden walkway along the time corridor, an ecological landscape pond, and directional signage for nearby attractions. This space is planned for community cultural activities and school teaching, integrating this quaint old house into everyday life, removing any sense of distance. If you find yourself at Xin Street Elementary School, you might as well take a short walk to concurrently explore attractions such as Shengjiting, Renhai Temple, Jiangxia Hall, Yuanhua Academy, and Yishitang, enriching your urban exploration with a cultural spirit.
