It was originally named the 'Shoushan Cave' before being rebranded as the Xiziwan Tunnel.
During World War II, the tunnel served as a protected shelter for the local populace and military personnel during air raids.
The tunnel was constructed by digging through the mountain rather than drilling, utilizing the natural geological formation of the Shoushan limestone massif.
It connects the historic Hamasen district to the National Sun Yat-sen University campus.
The site was designated a historical building to preserve its significance as a remnant of Kaohsiung's Japanese colonial military history.
The Xiziwan Tunnel, historically known as the Shoushan Cave, is a former military air-raid shelter carved directly into the limestone of Shoushan mountain. Completed in 1928 during the Japanese colonial era, it served as a crucial defensive bypass connecting the administrative district of Hamasen to the military and residential areas of Xiziwan. The tunnel spans approximately 260 meters and consists of a main passage with several intersecting side galleries. It was officially designated as a historical building by Kaohsiung City in 2004. The structure features arched, reinforced concrete entrances that reflect early 20th-century colonial engineering. It currently functions as a pedestrian shortcut, linking the busy Linhai area to the coastal university campus and beach district. The interior retains the raw, unrefined texture of the original cave walls.
The arched western entrance portal, which provides a dramatic frame against the backdrop of the university and coastal landscape.
The tunnel floor can be slippery after rainfall; wear shoes with good traction.
The interior temperature is significantly cooler than the outside; consider a light layer.
Bring a flashlight if you plan to explore the deeper side branches, as some areas have low ambient light.
Do not attempt to climb or enter restricted, fenced-off side tunnels that are marked as unsafe or off-limits.
