Dengyun Academy Ruins Introduction
Dengyun Academy is the only one of the four academies in the past located in Chiayi County, with the other three situated in Chiayi City. Aside from Dengyun Academy, which has been converted into Wenchang Elementary School, and Yufeng Academy, which has been remodeled into Zhen'an Temple dedicated to the worship of Baosheng Dadi, the other two academies have mostly been destroyed. Dengyun Academy was established in the 2nd year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (1832 AD), originally called Dengyun Pavilion. It was not until the 15th year of Daoguang (1835 AD) that it was renamed Dengyun Academy, which had a more formal academy structure. The name "Dengyun" was chosen in honor of General Wang De-lu, who contributed significantly and collaborated with local gentry to fund the establishment of the academy, reflecting the meaning of "ascending to the skies with ease." However, seventy years later, Dengyun Academy was destroyed by two major earthquakes and lay 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 AD). Dengyun Academy fostered a vibrant scholarly atmosphere in Xingang, laying a rich educational foundation and nurturing countless talents, with the educational spirit continuing to this day. Many people even regard Dengyun Academy as one of the important factors that helped unify the community for "social construction" in Xingang. Unfortunately, the only remnants of Dengyun Academy today are the "Donor Memorial Tablet of the Newly Built Dengyun Academy" set up in the 15th year of Daoguang, which was unearthed from beneath the swimming pool of the current Wenchang Elementary School. It stands in the right-side garden after entering the school gate, properly protected by a stainless steel and acrylic frame. Today, Wenchang Elementary School continues the educational mission of the academy; besides its historical significance with Dengyun Academy, the second floor of a Chinese-style school building on campus has become the location of the Confucian Temple where Chiayi County holds the annual Confucius ceremony.
