The Octagonal Tower at TamKang Senior High School is one of the most enchanting historical sites in Tamsui. With its opening of visitor hours and filming of motion picture “Secret” by alumni Jay Chou (now one of Taiwan’s most celebrated music and film producers), the Octagonal Tower has gained popularity from far and wide.

In preparation for the establishment of a middle school, George William MacKay (Dr. MacKay’s eldest son) came back from Canada in December of 1911. On March 9th, 1914, he received authorization from the Japanese Governor-General of Taiwan (Taiwan under Japanese occupation from 1895 - 1945) to temporarily transform the nearby Oxford College into Tamsui Middle School (precursor of today’s TamKang Senior High School). In addition, the Canada Presbyterian Church (Dr. MacKay’s church) also sent Rev. Kenneth W. Dowie (also an engineer) to oversee work in youth education and school construction.

Rev. Dowie completed the middle school’s gymnasium in 1923 and began construction of the school’s main building. The Octagonal Tower was completed in June 1925 and the middle school moved to its current location, ending its 11 years of temporary stationing at Oxford College.

The design of the Octagonal Tower was inspired by Santa Monica High School in Southern California, but further incorporated characteristics of eastern elements and local materials. The layout of the building simulates the traditional three-section compound housing (Hakka yard) commonly seen in rural Taiwan. Extending from both sides of the red and white brick octagonal tower are descending wings encircling the verdant front court and ending with two gate towers guarding the entrance of the school. The main walkway connects the main entrance to the Octagonal Tower and is lined with royal palm trees on both sides.

The front door of the Octagonal Tower is decorated with Chinese court lantern carvings and calligraphy - “Tamsui Private Middle School” and “Faith, Hope, Love” (school motto) by scholar Ting-Fan WU*. Wu once fought hard against MacKay’s missionary work, including burning down churches, but was later touched and conformed to Christ.

The Octagonal Tower today remains mostly in its original shape, preserving and symbolizing TamKang Senior High School’s cultural heritage. Well known for its picturestic sceneries, the campus is also one of the most popular sites for outdoor filming.

* Wu placed first in the national palace exam, Qing Dynasty.