Qishan Elementary School Introduction
During the period of Japanese rule, the Taiwan Governor-General issued the "Taiwan Public School Ordinance" in 1898, which stipulated that children aged eight to fourteen could enroll in public schools, marking the beginning of modern education in Taiwan. In the same year, Qishan established the Yam Sweet Potato Public School for Taiwanese students, which is the predecessor of Qishan Elementary School. Between 1916 and 1921, as the number of students gradually increased and the school facilities became inadequate, the school began to construct connected school buildings on the northeast side annually. The new school buildings featured two-story stone arched structures, with a corridor on one side, and the exterior consisted of continuous arches that created a rhythmic façade. The first floor featured circular arches while the second floor had flat arches, forming an interesting contrast, with the entrance highlighted by a circular archway porch above which a balcony was placed. In 1934, a grand auditorium was constructed, showcasing circular windows, Roman-style arch windows, and elegantly classical pebble-washed walls. Strolling through the century-old campus, nestled among flowers and ancient trees, the classical arched classrooms exude a charming literary atmosphere, and the grand auditorium, despite the passage of time, remains in use for various activities after renovations. While appreciating the elegantly styled and refined ancient buildings, one can also reflect on and witness the beginnings of modern education in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period.
