Mudu Islet Lighthouse Introduction
The black and white striped lighthouse is the landmark of Matsu Island - the Matsu Lighthouse. Matsu is located about 3.8 nautical miles north of Jibei Island. It is named "墨斗嶼" (Mok-dou Yu) because its shape resembles a "墨斗" (a traditional tool used by carpenters for measuring), but later the name was phonetically changed to "目斗嶼" (Mu-dou Yu). Among the inhabited islands of the Penghu archipelago, Matsu is the northernmost one, hence it is also called "North Island," and the former name of the Matsu Lighthouse was "North Island Lighthouse." The construction of this lighthouse is closely related to the treacherous underwater topography surrounding it. The Penghu archipelago has many strong currents, and among fishermen, there is a saying: "One Qiao, Two Hou, Three Xi Liu," where the first "One Qiao" refers to the large Qiao Island north of Matsu. The surrounding waters are filled with reefs and swift currents, creating a perilous sea area that often leads to maritime disasters. To guide ships safely, the ruling Japanese built this lighthouse. To avoid corrosion from wind and waves, the base is made of bricks, while the tower's body is constructed from cast iron, which is resistant to rust; it is presented with bold black and white parallel stripes as a prominent warning sign. The buildings surrounding the lighthouse serve as dormitories and offices for stationed personnel. The interior of the lighthouse is not open for visits, but simply enjoying the magnificent structure from the surroundings makes the trip worthwhile.
