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ST. IGNATIUS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (2002 CyberFair Project ID 1914)
Taiwan,
Lujou City, Taipei County
Official Status:
Final Project: Ready for Judging
Teacher:
Category: 6. Historical Landmarks
We estimate 6 student(s) from 13 to 14 will work on this entry.
Description of Our Community: The school where members of the Magic Corps study is located in Lujou City, Taipei County, just across the Tamsui River from Taipei City. This natural river course is the principal basis for delineating the division between the two cities, but it does not necessarily equal a boundary line between two communities. For example, when Typhoon Nari struck northern Taiwan, Luchou City experienced massive flooding, just as Taipei City did. In addition, our research has revealed that some of the stone materials used for the Old City Wall of Taipei that was built at the end of the Qing dynasty came from Taipei County! Our group's school, located in Lujou, crosses boundaries to engage in research on the old city of Taipei, in the hope of being able to spur everyone to think afresh, to expand the scope of local communities beyond the limits of administrative zones, and allow Taipei City and the counties and cities surrounding it to cooperate together, share resources, and create the greatest benefit for all the people of the greater Taipei metropolitan area.
Project Description: In the first year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1875), Shen Pao-chen recommended to the Qing court that it establish Taipei City as a seat of government, because of the importance of its economic and strategic position, and build a city wall around Taipei, to ensure the security of northern Taiwan and protect against the acquisitive intrusion of Western imperialism. Through the cooperation of Taiwanese officials and local civilians, the Taipei City wall was completed in 1884. But its days were short-lived. After Taiwan was ceded to Japan, the Japanese, fearing nothing more than that these Chinese-style walls, gates and towers would easily stir up sentiments toward China in the hearts of the Taiwanese, gradually dismantled the structures of the wall. The Old Taipei Wall only existed in a complete state for a mere 15 years. Its rise and fall are a reflection in miniature of the recent history of Taiwan, and it is worthwhile for everyone to make the effort to understand and reflect upon it. In addition, our special research plan has the further aim of exploring the definition of an historic site, as well as the value, meaning and methodology of preserving historic sites. We also plan to undertake a public opinion survey by telephone, to gain an understanding of the degree to which Taipei City residents are concerned about the old city walls, to serve as a reference for future preservation efforts of historic sites by the Taipei City government.