Dengyun Academy Ruins Introduction
Dengyun Academy is the only one located in Chiayi County among the four academies that were established in the past in Chiayi. The other three are situated within Chiayi City. Apart from Dengyun Academy, which was converted into Wenchang Elementary School, and Yufeng Academy, which was transformed into Zhen'an Temple for the worship of Baosheng Emperor, the other two have mostly been destroyed. Dengyun Academy was first established in the 2nd year of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1832 AD), and was originally called Dengyun Pavilion. It wasn't until the 15th year of Daoguang (1835 AD) that it was renamed Dengyun Academy, which had more the characteristics of an academy. The name "Dengyun" was chosen to commemorate General Wang Delu, who contributed greatly and worked with local gentry to raise funds to establish the academy, symbolizing the meaning of "rising steadily to success." However, seventy years later, Dengyun Academy was destroyed by two major earthquakes, and it wasn't until more than fifty years later, in the 52nd year of the Republic of China (1963 AD), that Wenchang Elementary School was established on the ruins. Dengyun Academy fostered a thriving cultural atmosphere in Yingko and laid a solid foundation for education and culture, nurturing countless talents whose influence endures to this day. Many consider Dengyun Academy to be an important factor in uniting the community for "community building." Unfortunately, the only remnant of Dengyun Academy is the “Newly Built Dengyun Academy Donation Gold Inscription Tablet,” established in the 15th year of Daoguang. This tablet was excavated from below the current Wenchang Elementary School swimming pool and stands in the right garden after entering the school gate, protected by a stainless steel and acrylic frame. Today, Wenchang Elementary School continues the educational mission of the academy. In addition to its historical significance with Dengyun Academy, the second floor of its traditional Chinese-style building has become the site of the Confucian Temple where Chiayi County holds the annual Confucius Ceremony.
