Kaohsiung Lighthouse (Cijin Qihou Lighthouse) Introduction
Kaohsiung Lighthouse, formerly known as Cijin Lighthouse, was built in 1883 by British engineers and is uniquely constructed alongside a fort, making it a rare sight in Taiwan. With a history of over a century, it has witnessed the development of Kaohsiung Harbor. In 1987, the Ministry of the Interior designated it as a city historic site, and it has been open for public visitation since 1992. It is the only white octagonal brick lighthouse in Taiwan, with an octagonal body that transitions to a cylindrical shape at the top, featuring a viewing platform. In front of the tower stands a Western-style white-walled office displaying the instruments used by the lighthouse, historical photos, and maps. The lush green lawn outside also features a sundial. The wind vane on top is the only one in the country that indicates directions using the Chinese characters for "East," "West," "South," and "North." Despite sustaining machine-gun fire during World War II, its operation remained uninterrupted, continuously lighting the way for ships at sea, thus playing a significant role in maritime safety. Standing at this historical vantage point rekindles love for the harbor city of Kaohsiung! The Kaohsiung Lighthouse is situated at the highest point of Cijin; although the area is small, it offers breathtaking views of the Taiwan Strait and Kaohsiung cityscape. Visitors can overlook grand ships entering the harbor and enjoy stunning golden sunsets, making it a beautifully lyrical cultural journey, reflecting on the rich history of the port city. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications' Port Bureau and the Tourism Bureau have integrated new tourist information boards, protective fences, handrails, and indirect lighting, while also beautifying the surrounding forest and introducing a café. These enhancements not only improve safety during nighttime visits but also extend the hours for tourists to admire the sunset and the beautiful night views of Kaohsiung Harbor and Cijin offshore. It is also the first lighthouse park in the country open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
