This strategy uses reverse psychology for making the enemy retreat from the war, making the enemy believe that the abandoned place or a calm environment is actually a trap for them. Seeing such a situation the forces of the enemy get to the back foot and the battle ends. It has been the part of Chinese traditions.
Diagrams
Originated from/Coined by
Luo Guanzhong
Further Reading/ References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empty_Fort_Strategy
http://tpkblog.com/history-hooks-the-empty-fort-strategy/
https://odb.org/2014/02/24/empty-fort-strategy/