Baisha Cape Lighthouse Introduction
Baisha Cape Lighthouse is located on the Guanyin Coast. Before the construction of the Guansheng Lighthouse in Tainan, it was the westernmost lighthouse on Taiwan Island. Surrounding it is a circular trail, and visitors can also explore the Guanyin Coastal Recreation Area. The lighthouse, with its snow-white tower standing out against the blue sky and ocean, was first lit in 1901 and became a famous scenic spot during the Japanese colonial period. After more than a century, it was selected as one of the "100 Historical Buildings of Taiwan" by the Council for Cultural Affairs in 2001. The lighthouse building itself, its surrounding wall, and a sundial from the Japanese occupation were designated as the first county-level historical site in Taoyuan the following year, and in May 2021, it was announced as the second national historical site in Taoyuan. It is currently the most well-preserved lighthouse from the early Japanese colonial period. The lighthouse stands approximately 37 meters tall, second only to the Eluanbi Lighthouse in Kenting. Its most distinctive feature is that it is the only lighthouse in Taiwan built using red bricks and stone, unlike other lighthouses in Taiwan that are constructed from concrete. During the late Qing Dynasty, many of the lighthouse's equipment were imported from England and France. The manufacturers first cast parts like the tower body and lighting fixtures, which were then shipped to the designated location for assembly, taking three years to complete. However, the Baisha Cape Lighthouse was not constructed from cast iron; instead, it features a double-layer brick and stone earthquake-resistant structure known in Japanese as "brick stone construction." The upper part of the circular brick lighthouse consists of large stone blocks acting as a support for the cast iron tower top. It has withstood heavy bombardment during World War II, as well as multiple earthquakes and storms, without serious damage. The lighthouse still stands firm today, illuminating the Taiwan Strait and guarding maritime vessels. The architectural structure and internal facilities have crossed over a century, preserving items such as a sundial from the Japanese colonial period, which could determine time, direction, and latitude based on the shadows cast by the sun. There is also a clock manufactured by the Shanghai Machinery Bureau and a century-old chinaberry tree that has been standing since the Japanese era, still robust in the garden, providing a tranquil atmosphere. This beacon of the Taiwan Strait is surrounded by a serene environment, with little bridges, flowing water, rice fields, and ponds, as well as wooden walkways and cool paths. The lighthouse itself makes for a great backdrop for photographs, and bicycles can be parked by the roadside for visitors to walk into the park. Inside the park, there is a guided room where visitors can learn more about the lighthouse's various facilities. Next to the lighthouse are circular trails, parks, pavilions, plazas, and children's play facilities. The paths are built along the banks of the Guanyin River, featuring small bridges, rice fields, and ponds, with views of the famous windmills at Guanyin Beach. The bell tower plaza and the arched pedestrian bridge over the Guanyin River are excellent spots for taking wedding photos.
