Yangmei Story Park Introduction
Principal Zhang Fang-jie, entrusted by the local residents of Yangmei in 1948, initiated the establishment of Yangmei Junior High School. Collaborating with local gentlemen, he successfully founded the school through self-reliance and was appointed as its first principal. Subsequently, he established eight junior high divisions of Yangmei Junior High School in the South Taoyuan area, laying the educational foundation in the region. In the early years, building the school was challenging. At the outset, during the seventh period of each school day, all teachers and students would transport stones from Laokeng Creek to construct their campus, creating a sense of unity and deepening their emotional bonds. This process became a cherished memory for early alumni. The revitalization of the "Yangmei Story Park" not only allows alumni to reminisce about the spirit of building the school together during the seventh period but also showcases Hakka cultural ambiance and the spirit of education, making it a worthwhile experience for tourists to immerse themselves in Yangmei's unique local culture. The principal’s dormitory, built in the early post-war period, features an eclectic style with a façade adorned with a substantial amount of washed pebbles and elegant lines. The interior space is approximately 50 ping, equipped with a living room, study, master bedroom, children’s study, and a communal sleeping area. Notably, the "students' communal sleeping area" was graciously provided by Principal Zhang for students from remote or underprivileged backgrounds, allowing them to study and dine with the Principal's family. During summer vacations, this space served as the examination venue for entrance exam proctors, giving it significant historical meaning. Directly across the street from the Principal’s dormitory, Xizhaolun was once the faculty dormitory for Yangmei Junior High School. At that time, each unit consisted of a door and a window, totaling nine units. Today, Xizhaolun serves as an arts and cultural exhibition space and a multifunctional performance venue promoting the culture and arts of Yangmei and the Hakka community.
