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. Apart from Dengyun Academy being transformed into Wenchang Elementary School, and the Yufeng Academy being converted into the Zhen'an Temple dedicated to the deity Baosheng Dadi, the remaining two academies have been almost completely destroyed. Dengyun Academy was originally established in the 2nd year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (1832 AD), initially called Dengyun Pavilion, and was only renamed Dengyun Academy, which had a more formal academy structure, in the 15th year of Daoguang (1835 AD). The name "Dengyun," meaning "soaring to success," was meant to commemorate General Wang Delu, who contributed significantly to its establishment through fundraising efforts with local gentry. Unfortunately, seventy years later, Dengyun Academy was damaged by two major earthquakes and was reduced to ruins until more than fifty years later, when Wenchang Elementary School was established on its site in the 52nd year of the Republic of China (1963 AD). Dengyun Academy fostered a flourishing literary tradition in Xinguang, laying a strong foundation for education and culture and nurturing countless talents during its time. The educational ethos it instilled continues to this day. Many regard Dengyun Academy as an important factor for fostering community cohesion and facilitating "community building" in Xinguang. Regrettably, the only relics left from Dengyun Academy is a stone tablet inscribed with the names of donors for the establishment of the new Dengyun Academy, which was erected in the 15th year of Daoguang. This tablet, excavated from beneath the current Wenchang Elementary School swimming pool, stands in the right-side garden just after entering the school gate, properly protected by a stainless steel and acrylic frame. Today's Wenchang Elementary School upholds the educational mission of the academy, and beyond its historical significance with Dengyun Academy, the second floor of its Chinese-style building also serves as the location for the annual Confucius ceremony held in Chiayi County.
