National Chung Cheng University Introduction
Chiayi County is home to several institutions of higher education, radiating a rich cultural atmosphere. National Chung Cheng University is a prestigious higher education institution in the county. It is a newly established university, originating from a sugarcane field. On December 1, 1987, the Executive Yuan officially approved the land in Minxiong Township for the establishment of Chung Cheng University. This land, once nurturing all living things, has transitioned into a new mission of cultivating aspiring students. Subsequently, the university has successively established five graduate programs: Chinese Literature, Applied Mathematics, Social Welfare, Computer Science, and International Economics. As of now, it has developed into a well-rounded university. The campus of National Chung Cheng University is spacious and beautifully designed, with the most famous attractions being the Tranquil Lake and the Qing Garden. Tranquil Lake was originally a deep ditch on the southern side of the campus, which was transformed into a serene lake based on the vision of architect Shen Zu-Hai. A 20-meter wide high arch bridge spans the lake, serving as the starting point of the scenic axis between the north and south ends of the university. The bridge not only facilitates transportation but also adds to the picturesque landscape, making it a unique sight of the campus. The lake area is home to swans and mallards that thrive in the campus environment. Qing Garden was established by the faculty and students of Chung Cheng University in honor of the founding president, Mr. Lin Ching-Chiang, in recognition of his contributions to the establishment of the university. Notably, the plants in the garden are selected based on the principle of displaying colorful flora throughout the seasons, while the existing camphor tree forest creates various landforms that showcase the beauty of natural ecology. The central fountain in the campus is also a highlight, serving the purpose of telling time. It sprays beautiful water mist for about 15 minutes at the top of each hour and half-hour. The twelve columns of the fountain symbolize the twelve months of the year, representing sources of flowing water, while the water sprayed signifies the continuous cycle of life from top to bottom, making it a meaningful spiritual landmark of National Chung Cheng University.
