Dengyun Academy Ruins Introduction
Dengyun Academy is the only one of the four academies established in Chiayi, Taiwan, that is located in Chiayi County, while the other three are within Chiayi City. Aside from Dengyun Academy being transformed into Wenchang Elementary School, and one of its components, Yufeng Academy, being converted into Zhen'an Temple, which is dedicated to the worship of Baosheng Dadi, the other two academies have mostly been destroyed. Dengyun Academy was originally founded in the second year of Emperor Dao Guang's reign during the Qing Dynasty (1832 AD), and was initially called Dengyun Pavilion. It was only in the fifteenth year of Dao Guang's reign (1835 AD) that it was renamed Dengyun Academy, signifying a more developed scale as an academy. 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, taking the meaning of "ascending to success." Unfortunately, seventy years later, Dengyun Academy was leveled by two major earthquakes, and it wasn't until over fifty years later, in the 52nd year of the Republic (1963 AD), that the present Wenchang Elementary School was established on the site. Dengyun Academy fostered a flourishing cultural atmosphere in Xin'gang, laying a solid foundation for education and culture, and cultivating countless talents in its time. The educational spirit has continued to this day. Many people even regard Dengyun Academy as one of the important factors for consolidating community cohesion in Xin'gang for community building. Unfortunately, the only remnant left from Dengyun Academy is a stone tablet inscribed with the "Donation Fund for the New Dengyun Academy," established in the fifteenth year of Dao Guang's reign. This tablet was excavated from beneath the swimming pool of the present Wenchang Elementary School and now stands in the right-side garden after entering the school gate, protected by a stainless-steel and acrylic frame. Wenchang Elementary School carries on the mission of the academy's education, and apart from its historical significance with Dengyun Academy, the second floor of a Chinese-style building within the school has become the site of the Confucian Temple where Chiayi County holds its annual Confucius ceremony.
