Dengyun Academy Ruins Introduction
Dengyun Academy is the only one of the four academies from the past located in Chiayi County, with the other three situated in Chiayi City. Besides being converted into Wenchang Elementary School, the Yufeng Academy was transformed into the Zhen'an Temple, which worships the Emperor Baosheng. The other two academies have largely been destroyed. Dengyun Academy was first established in the 2nd year of the Daoguang reign (1832 AD) and was originally called Dengyun Pavilion. It was not until the 15th year of Daoguang (1835 AD) that it was renamed Dengyun Academy, giving it a more formal 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, symbolizing "ascending to great heights." However, seventy years later, Dengyun Academy was destroyed by two major earthquakes, and it was not until over fifty years later, in the 52nd year of the Republic (1963 AD), that Wenchang Elementary School was established on the site. Dengyun Academy fostered a flourishing literary culture in Xingang, laying a solid foundation for education and nurturing countless talents, with an educational ethos that continues to this day. Many people even consider Dengyun Academy to be a crucial factor in the cohesion and community building of Xingang. Unfortunately, the only remnant of Dengyun Academy is a "Newly Established Dengyun Academy Donation Gold Tablet" set up in the 15th year of Daoguang, which was excavated from beneath the current Wenchang Elementary School swimming pool. It now stands in the right-side garden after entering the school gate, properly protected by a stainless steel and acrylic frame. Today, Wenchang Elementary School carries on the educational mission of the academy, and aside from its historical significance with Dengyun Academy, the second floor of a traditional Chinese building on campus has become the site of the Confucian Temple, where the annual Confucius Ceremony is held in Chiayi County.
