穿越時光的走讀之旅—左營曹公圳踏訪

【OUR TOWN學生團隊成員龔楚茜報導】

文藻外語大學大學社會責任實踐計畫─「OUR TOWN 社區永續跨域共創平台計畫」的五項社群活動，其中的「文史創新社群」於3月16日舉辦走讀活動，邀請左營在地文史研究者、舊城文化協會理事長郭吉清老師蒞臨，為參與者實地解說高雄曹公圳的歷史故事與現況。透過本次活動，學員們跟著郭老師的腳步走訪古圳道，深入了解左營地區文史更完整的面貌。

Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages' University Social Responsibility Practice Program, “OUR TOWN Community Sustainable Cross-Domain Collaborative Platform Project”, includes five community events, one of which is the “Culture and History Innovative Community.” On March 16th, the community organized a walking tour, inviting local cultural and historical researcher and chairman of Kaohsiung Cultural Association, Professor Guo Ji-qing, to provide participants with an in-depth explanation of the history and current state of Kaohsiung's Cao Gong Irrigation Channel. Through this event, participants followed in Professor Guo's footsteps along the ancient canal paths, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and historical landscape of the Zuoying area.

慈濟宮位於蓮池潭旁，是一座擁有三百多年歷史，融合藝術與信仰的建築奇蹟。在宮內，學員們目睹了精湛的雕刻與彩繪，這些裝飾不僅展現台灣傳統工藝的輝煌，也見證了當地在文史保存上的不懈努力。隨後，郭老師帶領學員們來到蓮池潭邊，眺望著遠處矗立的「龍虎塔」。在1974年，慈濟宮中信奉的保生大帝警示將有災難降臨，而在神明的啟示下，信眾紛紛響應，捐款興建了這座塔樓，作為祈禱和守護之所。兩年後，龍虎塔威嚴而挺拔地矗立，成為了左營區的地標之一。龍虎塔不僅僅是一個宗教聖地，更是左營區的文化寶藏，吸引著許多遊客前來探訪。

The Ciji Temple, located next to Lotus Pond, is a three-hundred-year-old architectural marvel that integrates art with faith. Inside the palace, participants witnessed exquisite carvings and paintings, which not only showcase the brilliance of Taiwan's traditional crafts but also reflect the local efforts in preserving cultural and historical heritage. Later, Professor Guo led the participants to the edge of Lotus Pond, overlooking the distant “Dragon and Tiger Pagodas.” In 1974, a deity worshiped in the Tzu Ciji Temple warned of an impending disaster. In response to this divine revelation, devotees collectively funded the construction of these pagodas as a place for prayer and protection. Two years later, the majestic Dragon and Tiger Pagodas stood tall, becoming one of the landmarks of the Zuoying District. The pagodas are not just a religious site but also a cultural treasure of the Zuoying District, attracting many visitors.

曹公圳曾是左營地區的命脈，為農田提供了充足的灌溉水源，促進了農業的興盛；同時，它也在排水和防洪方面扮演著不可或缺的角色，保障了當地居民的生命財產安全。在舊左營國中的基地內，保存著許多開鑿於道光22年（1842年）的古老水道，例如「十五戈圳」、「前峰圳」、「龜頭涵圳」等。這些古圳道在基地開發過程中得到了保留，並受到了妥善的保護，不受破壞。觀察基地旁的「那拔圳」、「洲仔洋圳」、「林仔邊圳」，也能看見歷史的痕跡。這些水圳的保存歸功於各方文史研究人士和協會的不懈努力，它們將繼續扮演當地文史的一部分，並不斷啟迪人們對於歷史文化的探索與瞭解。

The Cao Gong Irrigation Channel was once the lifeline of the Zuoying area, providing sufficient irrigation water for agriculture, promoting prosperity in farming, and playing an indispensable role in drainage and flood prevention, safeguarding the lives and property of the residents. Within the premises of the old Zuoying Junior High School, many ancient waterways carved in the 22nd year of the Qing Daoguang era (in 1842 AD), such as the “Shiwugo Irrigation Channel,” “Qianfeng Irrigation Channel,” and “Turtle Head Flume,” have been preserved. These historical irrigation channels have been retained and protected from destruction during the development of the site. Observing nearby channels like the “Naba Irrigation Channel,” “Zhouzaiyang Irrigation Channel,” and “Linzaibian Irrigation Channel” also reveals traces of history. The preservation of these channels is attributed to the relentless efforts of various historians and associations, continuing to play a part in the local cultural and historical narrative, inspiring ongoing exploration, and understanding of history and culture.

本次文史走讀活動郭老師帶領學員一覽左營曹公圳富含文化及歷史的魅力。沿途行經蓮池潭、壽山國家自然公園、原生植物園等地，透過解說讓學員們看見歷史嶄新的面貌。「OUR TOWN 社區永續跨域共創平台計畫」致力於透過各項社群活動提升在地連結，協助民眾了解當地文化並推動地方創生，未來將持續邀請各方學者推出系列活動與講座，為大學社會責任實踐盡最大的一份力。而「文史創新社群」也將於4月20日再次邀請郭吉清老師，講授「探索北高地區軍事遺址」之講座，期待學員們再次參與！

In this cultural and historical walking tour, Professor Guo guided participants through the cultural and historical charm of the Zuoying Cao Gong Irrigation Channel. Passing through places like Lotus Pond, Shoushan National Nature Park, and Kaohsiung Original Botanical Garden, the explanations provided a fresh perspective on history. The “OUR TOWN Community Sustainable Cross-Domain Collaborative Platform Project” is dedicated to enhancing local connections through various community activities, helping people understand local culture and promote regional revitalization. Future events and lectures by scholars will continue to contribute to the university's social responsibility efforts. The “Culture and History Innovative Community” will invite Teacher Guo Ji-Qing again on April 20th to deliver a lecture on “Exploring Military Sites in the North Kaohsiung Area,” looking forward to participants' continued involvement!