Kaohsiung Lighthouse (Cijin Qihou Lighthouse) Introduction
Kaohsiung Lighthouse, formerly known as Cihou Lighthouse, was built in 1883 by a British engineer. Its co-construction with a fortress is quite rare in Taiwan, and its century-long history bears witness to the development of Kaohsiung Port. In 1987, it was designated as a municipal heritage site by the Ministry of the Interior and opened to the public for visitation in 1992. It is the only white octagonal brick lighthouse in Taiwan, with an octagonal body that transitions to a cylindrical shape at the top and features a balcony for a distant view. In front of the tower is a Western-style white-walled office displaying instruments used by the lighthouse in the past, as well as photographs and maps of its location. There is also a sundial on the verdant lawn outside. During World War II, the lighthouse was subjected to machine gun fire but continued to function without interruption, shining light on ships at sea and ensuring the safety of vessels passing by, making its historical significance remarkable. Standing at this historical elevation, visitors can fall in love again with the port city of Kaohsiung! The Kaohsiung Lighthouse is located at the highest point of Cijin. Although the park is small, it offers panoramic views of the Taiwan Strait and Kaohsiung City, allowing visitors to overlook the grand scene of large ships entering the port and the splendid golden sunset. It evokes memories of the leisurely hundred years of the port city, making it a beautifully poetic cultural journey. The Kaohsiung City Government's Port Bureau and Tourism Bureau have integrated new tourist information signs, protective barriers, handrails with indirect lighting and street lamps, and landscaping enhancements, including the introduction of a café. This not only increases nighttime recreational safety but also extends visiting hours for tourists to enjoy the sunset, Kaohsiung Port, and the beautiful day and night scenery of Cijin, making it the first lighthouse park in the country open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
