Baisha Cape Lighthouse Introduction
The Baisha Cape Lighthouse is located on the Guanyin Coast and was once the westernmost lighthouse on Taiwan's main island before the construction of the Guosheng Lighthouse in Tainan. The surrounding area features a circular walking trail, and visitors can also explore the Guanyin Coastal Recreation Area. The snow-white tower of Baisha Cape stands out even more against the blue sky and ocean. It was lit in 1901 and became a famous landmark during the Japanese occupation. After more than a century, it was selected as one of the "One Hundred Historical Buildings in Taiwan" by the Council for Cultural Affairs in 2001. The lighthouse structure, walls, and sundial from the Japanese occupation were designated as the first county-designated historical site in Taoyuan the following year. In May 2021, it was announced as the second national historical monument in Taoyuan, making it the most well-preserved lighthouse from the early Japanese occupation. The lighthouse stands approximately 37 meters high, second only to the Eluanbi Lighthouse in Kenting. Its uniqueness lies in being the only lighthouse in Taiwan constructed with red brick and stone, differing from other lighthouses made of concrete. At the end of the Qing Dynasty, most of the lighthouse's equipment was imported from Britain and France, with manufacturers initially casting the tower, lighting fixtures, and other components, which were then shipped to the intended location for assembly. The construction of the Baisha Cape Lighthouse took three years, using a double-layer brick and stone earthquake-resistant structure referred to in Japanese as "renkawa sekizō." The upper part of the circular brick lighthouse is supported by large stone blocks that hold the iron tower top. It has survived air raids during World War II and multiple earthquakes and typhoons without significant damage. Today, the lighthouse still stands firmly, illuminating the Taiwan Strait and safeguarding vessels at sea. The structure and its internal facilities span over a century, preserving items from the Japanese occupation, including a sundial that indicates time, direction, and latitude based on shadows cast by the sun, which played a crucial role in controlling the lighthouse's lighting. Additionally, there is a clock made by the Shanghai Machinery Bureau and a century-old Neem tree that has stood tall in the garden since the Japanese occupation, creating a serene atmosphere. Surrounded by peaceful surroundings, the lighthouse area features small bridges, rice fields, and ponds, along with wooden plank paths and cool pathways. The lighthouse itself serves as a great backdrop for photos, and bicycles can be parked by the roadside before walking into the park. Inside the park, there is a guidance room for visitors to learn more about the lighthouse's equipment. A circular walkway, park, gazebo, plaza, and children's play facilities surround the lighthouse, with the walking trail built along the Guanyin River, allowing for picturesque views of the famous windmill landscape at Guanyin Beach. The Bell Tower Plaza and the human-shaped arch bridge over the Guanyin River are also popular spots for wedding photography.
