The Xunfang Fort was built in the 16th year of the Daoguang reign (1836) and is now designated as a Grade III historic site. It is the only remaining inland fort in Tainan. The name "Xunfang Fort" comes from its location in the southeast of the old city, which corresponds to the "Xun" direction in the Bagua (Eight Trigrams), hence its other name: "Xunfang Jingzhen". After the suppression of the Zhang Bing Rebellion by the Qing court in 1836, to strengthen the city defenses, an outer wall was added beyond the Great East Gate. Gun towers were built on both the south and north sides of this new wall. The Xunfang Fort was the southern gun tower; the northern one no longer exists. In 1949, the fort was leased by Xiuchan Temple, so above the gate inscribed with "Xunfang Jingzhen," you can still see a plaque bearing the characters "Xiuchan Temple." Today, the fort remains within the grounds of the temple, and visitors must enter through the temple gate to explore the interior. Commonly known as a "gun tower," the fort was used to repel foreign invaders. It has a square structure with an arched entrance in the middle and small holes on the surrounding walls for gunfire. Though the gun holes have been sealed, visitors can still feel the tension that once filled this small fortress during times of conflict. A staircase leads to the rooftop, where tables and chairs are now placed for visitors to rest. This contrast creates a relaxed atmosphere that almost evokes the feeling of Zhuge Liang's "Empty Fort Strategy" — calmly seated atop the fort, intimidating enemies with poise.

Attraction Information:

Address: No. 10, Guanghua Street, East District, Tainan City

Opening Hours: Open all day

Transportation Information:

【Public Transportation】

By Train:
Get off at Tainan Train Station → Transfer to Sinnan Bus at Tainan East Station → Get off at Longshan Temple Stop → Walk straight on Section 2, Dongmen Road → Turn right at Lane 158, Section 2, Dongmen Road → Turn right at the entrance of Guanghua Street to reach the destination.

By Bus:
Board the Sinnan Bus at Tainan East Station → Get off at Longshan Temple Stop → Walk straight on Section 2, Dongmen Road → Turn right at Lane 158, Section 2, Dongmen Road → Turn right at the entrance of Guanghua Street to reach the destination.

【Driving】

Take National Freeway No. 1 and exit at Rende Interchange → Drive along Zhongshan Road towards the city center → Continue on Dongmen Road → Turn left at Changrong Road → Turn right onto Guanghua Street to see Xiuchan Temple and the Xunfang Fort.