Kaohsiung Lighthouse (Cijin Qihou Lighthouse) Introduction
Kaohsiung Lighthouse, formerly known as Qihou Lighthouse, was built by British engineers in 1883. It is rare in Taiwan to have a lighthouse constructed together with a fort, and its century-long history bears witness to the development of Kaohsiung Harbor. The Ministry of the Interior designated it as a city monument in 1987, and it has been open to the public since 1992. It is the only white octagonal brick lighthouse in the country, with an octagonal body that transforms into a cylindrical shape at the top, featuring a balcony for scenic viewing. In front of the tower, there is a Western-style white wall office that displays instruments used by the lighthouse, photographs, and location maps. The lush green lawn outside also features a sundial. During World War II, despite being subjected to machine-gun fire, it remained operational, continuously illuminating the sea for vessels, ensuring the safety of maritime traffic—a testament to its historical significance. Standing at this historic vantage point rekindles a love for Kaohsiung Harbor! The Kaohsiung Lighthouse is located at the highest point of Cijin. Although the area is small, it offers a panoramic view of the Taiwan Strait and Kaohsiung city, overlooking the grand sight of large ships entering the harbor and the brilliant golden sunset. It evokes memories of the port city’s century-long history, making it a beautifully poetic cultural journey. The Kaohsiung City Department of Transportation and Communications, along with the Tourism Bureau, has integrated various facilities such as new tourist information signs, protective fences, handrails, indirect lighting, road lighting, landscaping, and the introduction of cafés to improve nighttime safety for leisure activities. This extends the time available for visitors to enjoy the sunset and the day and night beauty of Kaohsiung Harbor and the seas off Cijin. It is also the first lighthouse park in the country to be open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
