Over 120 years, told on a painted staircase.
Jianzhong Elementary was founded in 1904 (Meiji 37) during the Japanese colonial era under the original name "Sancha Elementary School" (三叉國小), and was renamed "Jianzhong Elementary School" in 1953. Now more than 120 years old, the school is best known for its famous 99-step staircase, painted as a vivid 3D mural depicting tung blossoms, the Formosan clouded leopard, the historic Shengxing Railway Station, and vintage steam locomotives.
建中國小創立於日治明治37年（1904年），創校時名為「三叉國小」，民國42年（1953年）更名為「建中國小」。校史已逾120年，學校最為人稱道的是其著名的99階階梯，以生動的3D立體彩繪呈現油桐花、石虎、勝興車站及蒸汽火車頭等意象。
What makes this school worth knowing.
🎨 The Famous 99-Step Painted Staircase
99階彩繪階梯
A vivid 3D mural spans 99 steps, depicting tung blossoms, the Formosan clouded leopard, Shengxing Railway Station, and steam locomotives — a beloved local landmark.
🏛️ Over 120 Years of History
逾120年校史
Founded in 1904 as "Sancha Elementary School," the school has served the Sanyi community for well over a century, renamed "Jianzhong" in 1953.
🐆 Celebrating Local Wildlife and Heritage
石虎與鐵道文化
The staircase mural doubles as environmental and cultural education, featuring the endangered Formosan clouded leopard alongside the region's railway heritage.
Railway heritage meets woodcarving country.
With its painted staircase depicting the historic Shengxing Railway Station and steam trains, Jianzhong Elementary celebrates Sanyi Township's rich heritage in a region world-famous for woodcarving artistry. See the Miaoli county page for more on the region.
Find the school.
Sanyi Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan
苗栗縣三義鄉廣盛村八十號
School's Official Website (Chinese) ↗
Last updated: July 2026 · Content adapted and condensed from the school's official Chinese-language website by the Taiwan Bilingual Hub team, not yet reviewed by the school. If you're from Jianzhong Elementary and would like to correct or expand this page, please contact us.