Motu Island Lighthouse Introduction
The black and white striped lighthouse is a landmark of Mudouyu – the Mudouyu Lighthouse. Mudouyu is located approximately 3.8 nautical miles north of Jibei Island and is named after its resemblance to a "墨斗" (墨斗 means "ink line tool" in Chinese). Its name was later modified to "Mudouyu" based on phonetics. Among the inhabited islands of the Penghu Islands, Mudouyu is the northernmost island, hence it is also referred to as "Beidao" (Northern Island), and the old name of Mudouyu Lighthouse was "Beidao Lighthouse." The construction of this lighthouse is closely related to the treacherous underwater topography surrounding it. The Penghu Islands have many strong currents, and fishermen often say, "One Qi, Two Hou, Three Xi," where "One Qi" refers to the large Qi Island located north of Mudouyu. The area is fraught with hidden reefs and strong currents, creating a perilous sea region together with the nearby Erqiao Island, where maritime accidents frequently occur. The ruling Japanese at the time constructed this lighthouse to guide vessels. To prevent corrosion from wind and waves, the tower base is built of bricks, and the tower itself is made of rust-resistant cast iron. Its appearance features bold black and white parallel stripes, serving as a prominent warning marker. Surrounding the lighthouse are the dormitory and office for the stationed personnel. The interior of the lighthouse is not open for public visits, but simply admiring this magnificent building from the outside makes the trip worthwhile.
