Natural barrier, historical battlefield #府城天负 - Anping District, Tainan City

#SeptemberDestinations2025
"Tianxian" (Tianxian) refers to the natural and man-made defenses surrounding the western side of ancient Tainan City. These defenses primarily consisted of lagoons, waterways, sandbars, and artillery batteries in the Anping area. Due to its unique location, any enemy attacking Tainan City from the sea had to first pass through these numerous checkpoints. This historic site, known as the "Taiwanese version of the trench," not only served as a natural barrier between the Taijiang Inland Sea and ancient Tainan City, but also witnessed important historical events during the Qing Dynasty, including the uprisings led by Zhu Yigui and Dai Chaochun. Taixian, also known as the "Zhenmen Temple," is unique in that it is a temple built on a sand dune facing the mouth of the Zengwen River. The temple is not a standalone structure but is closely connected to a natural plateau behind it. During the Qing Dynasty, before the Taijiang Inland Sea silted up, this area served as a strategic military route for defending Tainan City. This natural plateau created a terrain that was easily defended but difficult to attack, earning it the name "Tianxian," meaning a naturally formed defensive barrier. A visit to Anping's natural barrier offers not only a rich historical experience but also a tranquil journey through nature. Here, free from the bustle of tourists, there's only the rustling of leaves by the gentle breeze. Slow down and carefully observe the flora along the trails, appreciating the unique coastal ecology of Anping. The "Anping Natural Barrier" serves not only as a military defense line but also as a crucial historical witness to Tainan's urban development. A visit to Anping allows you to relive the former glory and perseverance of this land through time.

Post by 祥.要去旅行 | Sep 16, 2025