by Grace, Student
Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages' University Social Responsibility Practice Program, "OUR TOWN Community Sustainable Cross-Domain Collaborative Platform Project" includes five community activities. Among these, the "Culture and History Innovative Community"organized a cultural and historical walking tour on November 11th and November 18th. They invited local cultural and historical researcher, Mr. Liao Te-tsung (also as Kenny Liaw) from Zuoying, to provide explanations for the participants. The tour aimed to guide participants through the local "historical past" to the "current appearance" of Zuoying Old Town. Through on-site visits, participating members of the tour had the opportunity to alter their previous perceptions of Zuoying, gaining a different understanding and unique insights into local culture and history.
Mr.Liao first introduced the "Confucius Temple and Congsheng Shrine," located within the Jiuo-Cheng Primary School, boasting a history of over three hundred years. It was reconstructed during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (1704) by the Fengshan County Magistrate, Song Yongqing, and served as a foundation for cultural and educational development. Mr.Liao talked about the various ups and downs that the old Confucius Temple has experienced over the past three hundred years, including being destroyed, repaired, demolished, rebuilt, etc. The participants were filled with sighs and awe when listening. In addition, Mr. Liao also used his own childhood memories to share with everyone bits and pieces of his life around the old Confucius Temple, so that everyone can understand the background at that time. Although the Old Confucius Temple has been replaced by a new temple, its intrinsic importance has diminished. However, the values of Confucian rituals and teachings still endure. Through the explanations provided, it is hoped that participants will not only understand the Old Confucius Temple but also develop a deeper appreciation for the overall preservation of cultural and historical values.
Next, Mr. Liao led the students to the lakeside of Lotus Pond, recounting the rich legendary stories here. What captivated everyone's interest was the story of the "Umbrella Cave." This is a well-known local legend story, which claims that during afternoon thunderstorms, there is a spot on the water surface where rain never falls, as if there's an umbrella blocking it from above! Whether it's related to scientific magnetic fields or the protective influence of mysterious forces, interpretations vary among individuals. The location of the "Umbrella Cave" is said to be above the statue of the Xuantian Shangdi (The deity of the Big Dipper) . Zuoying Old Town is filled with various rich and fascinating folk stories. Even if they are just legends, for the locals, they hold significant value, adding vibrant colors to the entire culture and history. Furthermore, Mr. Liao also led the group in climbing Turtle Mountain, reciting the famous "Eight Scenes of Turtle Mountain" by poet Zhuo Zhaochang. In the poem, phrases such as "mountain mist at dawn, layered rocks in the evening glow, spring trees in the rain, sparse woods under the moon, clear peaks overlooking the sea, ancient temples with fragrant breezes, climbing the peak for a wild gaze, and the cries of apes in the cold night” highlight Turtle Mountain as the best vantage point to appreciate the entire old town's beauty. By comparing old photos of Turtle Mountain with its current landscape, the same location exhibits stark changes, allowing the participants to instantly feel the rise and fall of the old town over a century.
This cultural and historical walking tour leads participants to visit several important landmarks, including the Pan pond within the Jiuo-Cheng primary school, the North Gate, and the historic residence of Xie Ting-fang. In contrast to indoor lectures, the hands-on exploration helps participants truly experience and understand the appearance of the entire old city through the process of "stop, look, and listen." "OUR TOWN Community Sustainable Cross-Domain Collaborative Platform Project” will continue to organize relevant cultural and historical events, guiding more interested partners to participate. From understanding one-sided history to understanding local culture, and then extending to promoting the culture of Zuoying Old Town. Ultimately, this endeavor aims to fulfill the university's commitment to social responsibility.
Literary and historical researcher Liao Dezong introduced the Old Confucius Temple
Mr.Liao told folklore stories by the lotus pond
Participants enjoy the beautiful view of the old town from the top of Guishan Mountain
Participants and the speaker took a group photo in front of the North Gate
