Dengyun Academy Ruins Introduction
Dengyun Academy is the only one of the four academies that were historically located in Chiayi to be situated in Chiayi County, while the other three are within Chiayi City. Besides Dengyun Academy being transformed into Wenchang Elementary School, and Yufeng Academy being converted into Zhen'an Temple for worshiping Baosheng Dadi, the remaining two have been mostly destroyed. Dengyun Academy was originally established in the 2nd year of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1832), initially called Dengyun Pavilion, and it wasn't until the 15th year of Daoguang (1835) that it was renamed Dengyun Academy, which had a more formal academy structure. The name "Dengyun" was chosen to commemorate General Wang Delu, who contributed significantly and collaborated with local gentry to fund the establishment of the academy, reflecting the meaning of "ascending to success." However, seventy years later, Dengyun Academy was destroyed by two major earthquakes and remained in ruins until over fifty years later, when Wenchang Elementary School was established on the site in the 52nd year of the Republic of China (1963). Dengyun Academy fostered a rich cultural atmosphere in Xinguang, laying a solid foundation for education and nurturing countless talents, with this educational spirit continuing to this day. Many people even regard Dengyun Academy as one of the important factors promoting community cohesion in Xinguang. Unfortunately, the only remnant of Dengyun Academy today is a memorial tablet for the donation of the newly established Dengyun Academy, erected in the 15th year of Daoguang, which was excavated from beneath the swimming pool of the current Wenchang Elementary School. This tablet is now situated in the garden on the right side after entering the school gate, properly protected by a stainless steel and acrylic frame. Today's Wenchang Elementary School carries on the educational mission of the academy, and aside from the historical significance between it and Dengyun Academy, the second floor of one of its Chinese-style buildings also serves as the site for the annual Confucius Ceremony held in Chiayi County.
