Fenglin Principal Dream Factory Introduction
This building, located at 16 Minsheng Street in Fenglin, features a striking wooden structure and was originally the "Fenglin Branch Office Chief's Residence" during the Japanese colonial period. It served as the residence for Zhang Qilong, the first principal of Fenglin Junior High School. In the early days, many residents of Fenglin dedicated themselves to education in Taiwan, with over ninety individuals serving as principals, making it one of the towns with the highest density of elementary school principals, earning the nickname "Hometown of Principals." Due to its long abandonment, this building had nearly fallen into ruins. To preserve and commemorate Fenglin's admirable educational spirit, a local initiative, supported by the government, restored it in 2004 and named it the "Principal Dream Factory." Today, this venue offers an open reading space and provides students with a "Life Classroom." The "Life Classroom" refers to a broader education beyond traditional schooling, aiming to teach children knowledge of nature and life in addition to what is in textbooks. A group of enthusiastic volunteers maintains the environment, designs learning activities, and guides visitors. People come here not only to gain a deeper understanding of Fenglin's cultural history but also to experience the warmth and vitality of Taiwanese communities.
