Yangmei Story Park Introduction
Principal Zhang Fang-jie took on the task of establishing Yangmei Junior High School in 1948 at the request of the local residents of Yangmei. Collaborating with local gentlemen, he successfully founded the school through self-reliance and was appointed as its first principal. He later established eight junior high school divisions of Yangmei Junior High School in the South Taoyuan area, laying the educational foundation for the region. In the early days, building the school was not easy; during the seventh period each day, all teachers and students would transport stones from the Laokeng River by manpower, participating in the creation of their own campus. Each stone carried represented their collective efforts, and this process deepened their bonds, becoming a shared memory for early alumni. The revitalization of the "Yangmei Story Park" not only allows alumni to revisit the spirit of self-reliance during the seventh period but also showcases the cultural essence and educational spirit of the Hakka people, making it worth a deep cultural experience for visitors in Yangmei. The principal’s dormitory, built in the early post-war period, features a blend of Western and traditional styles, with a facade adorned with extensive pebble wash and beautiful lines. The indoor space is approximately 50 ping and is furnished with a living room, study, master bedroom, children's study, and a common sleeping area. Notably, the "student dormitory" was provided by Principal Zhang for students who had difficulty accessing transportation or came from underprivileged backgrounds, allowing them to study and dine with his family. During summer vacation, this space served as the exam venue for teachers setting entrance examination questions, making it historically significant. Directly across the street from the principal's dormitory, Xizhaolun once served as the staff dormitory for Yangmei Junior High School, with each door and window belonging to one household, totaling nine households. Currently, Xizhaolun is used as an art exhibition space and multifunctional performance venue to promote the culture and arts of Yangmei and Hakka villages.
