Dongju Lighthouse (Dongqian Lighthouse) Introduction
The white lighthouse on Dongju Island, known as the Dongju Island Lighthouse, has stood for over a century under the blue skies and vast sea. It is located on the northeastern side of Dongju Island. The lighthouse was constructed during the Qing Dynasty, following the defeat in the Opium War, and the signing of the Treaty of Nanking which opened coastal trade with the British. To assist in identifying the direction of Fuzhou, a lighthouse was built at the request of the British during the Tongzhi period, specifically in the 11th year of Tongzhi (1872). Under this historical backdrop, the Dongju Island Lighthouse was born. In 1988, it was designated as a second-class historic site by the Ministry of the Interior. It is the first lighthouse in Taiwan constructed with granite, painted in a pristine white color. The lighthouse stands approximately 19.5 meters tall, and its light source can be refracted through a crystal lens, reaching a distance of up to 16.7 nautical miles (about 31 kilometers). The Dongju Island Lighthouse has quietly served on Dongju Island for over a century, with its light flickering a long and two short signals every night. Notably, there is a 30-meter-long white windbreak wall on the grassy area connecting the lighthouse to the office; this was built to protect staff from strong winds due to the lighthouse's elevated location, allowing them to quickly pass through while keeping their oil lamps lit. The White Hair Fort - Lighthouse Artifact Exhibition Hall, which opened in June 2008, features a long white windbreak wall. Local residents refer to this area as "White Hair Fort." It is designed in British architectural style and houses a rich collection of lighthouse artifacts, enhancing the tourism experience at the lighthouse and making it a must-see highlight. The Dongju Artillery Block, connected to the Dongju Island Lighthouse, was once a military stronghold. Stretching several hundred meters along the coastline, it features bunkers and howitzers. Today, it has become a military tourist site in Matsu, open for visitors to explore. Walking along the pathway surrounded by wooden fences to the small platform at the end is also one of the hidden spots for viewing the blue tears at night! Note: Dongju Island has many rocky terrains, and insufficient lighting at night may pose dangers. It is not advisable to go alone, and it is recommended to be accompanied by a guide to view the blue tears.
