Eluanbi Lighthouse
Southern Taiwan Region
Eluanbi Lighthouse is located on Cape Eluanbi, the southernmost tip of Taiwan's main island, where it marks the boundary between the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and the Philippine Sea. Known as "The Light of East Asia" for its intense illumination, it serves as a crucial navigational aid in a historically treacherous maritime area. Constructed between 1881 and 1883 under British supervision during the Qing Dynasty, it was uniquely fortified with gunports, a fosse, and barbed wire to protect against local indigenous opposition. The lighthouse features a 15-meter high cast iron tower with revolving steel shutters to shield the lantern glass. It has endured damage during the First Sino-Japanese War and World War II, subsequently rebuilt and upgraded with a Fresnel lens in 1962 by the Republic of China. Today, it is open year-round to visitors who can explore the adjacent Eluanbi Park and learn about its strategic maritime significance and colonial history. The lighthouse's combination of military architecture and maritime technology makes it a distinctive historical landmark in Taiwan's southernmost region.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore Eluanbi Lighthouse during the dry season for better weather and clearer views. Purchasing tickets in advance can help avoid queues, especially on weekends and holidays. The site offers discounts for students and seniors. The lighthouse and Eluanbi Park are accessible year-round, with facilities and guided tours available to enhance the experience.
Interesting facts
- •Eluanbi Lighthouse is the southernmost lighthouse on Taiwan's main island.
- •It is nicknamed "The Light of East Asia" due to its exceptionally powerful light.
- •The lighthouse was the only armed lighthouse in Taiwan, equipped with cannons and Gatling guns for defense.
- •Its construction involved dynamiting coral reefs and building a concrete jetty to facilitate supply landings.
- •The lighthouse has survived attacks and damages from the First Sino-Japanese War and World War II.
History
The Eluanbi Lighthouse was constructed between 1881 and 1883 under Qing Dynasty authority to prevent frequent shipwrecks caused by treacherous reefs and currents near Cape Eluanbi.
It was uniquely fortified to withstand attacks from local indigenous tribes.
After severe damage during the First Sino-Japanese War, it was repaired and enhanced by Japanese colonial authorities.
The lighthouse suffered bombing damage in World War II but was rebuilt by the Republic of China in 1947.
A powerful Fresnel lens was installed in 1962, and the surrounding park opened to the public in 1982, with the lighthouse itself welcoming visitors from 1992 onward.
Place Guide
The Cast Iron Tower1883
The 15-meter tall cast iron lighthouse tower features revolving steel shutters protecting the lantern glass and gunports for defense. It represents a unique blend of maritime navigation and military architecture.
Surrounding Fortifications1883
The lighthouse is surrounded by a 6-meter deep fosse with caponiers and barbed-wire fencing, designed as defensive structures to protect the lighthouse and its garrison.
Eluanbi Park1982
The park around the lighthouse offers visitors scenic views, walking paths, and information about the lighthouse's history and maritime significance. It opened to the public in 1982.
Contact
Phone: 08 885 1101
