Baisha Cape Lighthouse Introduction
Baisha Cape Lighthouse is located on the Guanyin Coast. Before the construction of Tainan's Guosheng Lighthouse, it was the westernmost lighthouse on the main island of Taiwan. Surrounding it are circular walking paths, allowing visitors to also explore the Guanyin Coastal Recreation Area. The snow-white tower of Baisha Cape stands out even more against the blue sea and sky. It was lit and put into service in 1901 and became a well-known scenic spot during the Japanese colonial period. After more than a century of enduring the test of time, it was selected in 2001 for the "One Hundred Historical Buildings in Taiwan" list by the National Association of Historical Buildings. The lighthouse structure, surrounding walls, and a sundial from the Japanese colonial era were designated as the first county-level historic site in Taoyuan. In May 2021, it was announced as the second national historic site in Taoyuan, being the most well-preserved lighthouse from the early Japanese colonial period. The lighthouse stands approximately 37 meters high, second only to the Eluanbi Lighthouse in Kenting. Its most unique feature is that it is the only lighthouse in Taiwan built with bricks and stones, unlike other lighthouses in Taiwan that are made of concrete. At the end of the Qing Dynasty, most of the lighthouse equipment was imported from Britain and France. The manufacturer first completed the casting of the tower body and light fixture parts, which were then transported by ship to the designated location for assembly. It took three years to complete the Baisha Cape Lighthouse, which is not constructed from cast iron, but rather uses a double-layer brick-stone structure, known in Japanese as "renkaseki," which provides seismic resistance. The upper part of the circular brick lighthouse is supported by large stone blocks, holding up the cast iron tower top. It has withstood aerial bombardments during World War II, as well as multiple earthquakes and storms without significant damage. The lighthouse still stands firm today, illuminating the Taiwan Strait and safeguarding vessels at sea. Its architectural features and internal facilities span over a century and also preserve items from the Japanese colonial period, including a sundial that can determine time, direction, and latitude based on the shadows cast by the sun, which once played a crucial role in lighthouse operations. Additionally, there is a clock manufactured by the Shanghai Machine Works and a century-old Melia azedarach tree that has existed since the Japanese era, still standing tall in the garden, creating a serene atmosphere. This beacon of the Taiwan Strait is set in a tranquil environment, complete with small bridges, flowing water, rice fields, and ponds, along with wooden walkways and refreshing paths. The lighthouse itself provides a picturesque backdrop, with bicycles parked roadside for visitors to walk into the park. The park features an information center for visitors to learn more about the lighthouse's various facilities; next to the lighthouse, there are circular walking paths, a park, pavilions, plazas, and children's play equipment. The paths are built along the banks of the Guanyin River, offering views of small bridges, rice fields, and ponds, and a lookout at the famous windmills along the Guanyin beachfront. The bell tower plaza and the Guanyin River pedestrian arch bridge are also popular spots for wedding photos.
