Chishan Elementary School Introduction
During the Japanese colonial period, the Taiwan Governor-General's Office issued the "Taiwan Public School Ordinance" in 1898, stipulating 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 Sweet Potato Public School for Taiwanese students, which is the precursor to Qishan Elementary School. From 1916 to 1921, due to the increasing number of students and insufficient school facilities, the school began to gradually construct connected classrooms on the northeast side. The new classrooms were two-story stone arch structures, with corridors on one side, and the outer layer created a rhythmic facade of continuous arches. The first floor featured round arches, while the second floor consisted of flat arches, forming an interesting contrast. The entrance was highlighted by a round arch porch protruding from the main school structure, with a terrace above it. In 1934, a grand auditorium was built, featuring round windows, Roman-style arch windows, and elegantly classic pebble-washed walls. Walking through the century-old campus, surrounded by flowers, trees, and ancient trees, the classical arch classrooms exude a charming aroma of books, which continues to resonate today. The grand auditorium, though weathered by time, remains available for various activities after renovation. While admiring the beautifully refined ancient buildings, one also reflects on and bears witness to the beginnings of modern education in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period.
