Motu Island Lighthouse Introduction
The black-and-white striped lighthouse is the landmark of Mudu Islet – the Mudu Islet Lighthouse. Mudu Islet is located approximately 3.8 nautical miles north of Jibei Island. It is named “Mudu” because its shape resembles a “墨斗” (墨斗 refers to a chalk line used by carpenters), and the name was later phonetically changed to “Mudu Islet.” Among the inhabited islands in the Penghu archipelago, Mudu Islet is the northernmost one, hence it is also called “North Island,” and the old name of the Mudu Islet Lighthouse was “North Island Lighthouse.” The construction of this lighthouse is greatly related to the dangerous underwater topography surrounding it. The Penghu archipelago is known for its swift currents, and among fishermen, there is a saying: “one Qiao, two Hou, three Xi,” where the first one, “one Qiao,” refers to the large Qiao Islet north of Mudu Islet. The waters surrounding it are fraught with reefs and swift currents, creating a dangerous sea area along with the nearby Er Qiao Islet, often leading to maritime accidents. The then-ruling Japanese built this lighthouse to guide vessels safely. To avoid corrosion from wind and waves, the base of the tower is constructed with bricks, while the tower body is made of cast iron, which is less prone to rust, and features an eye-catching pattern of black-and-white parallel stripes as a warning signal. The buildings surrounding the lighthouse are used for the accommodation and offices of the personnel stationed there. The interior of the lighthouse is not open to visitors, but simply appreciating the magnificent architecture surrounding it makes it worth the trip.
