Dongju Island Lighthouse (Dongqian Lighthouse) Introduction
The East Jugu Lighthouse, also known as the East Jugu Lighthouse, stands in the northeastern part of Dongjugu Island, having withstood the test of time for over a century under the blue sea and sky. During the Qing Dynasty, following the defeat in the Opium War and the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing with England, coastal trade was opened to facilitate navigation towards Fuzhou. At the request of the British, the construction of the lighthouse began during the Tongzhi era and was completed in 1872. With this historical background, the East Jugu Lighthouse was born. In 1988, the Ministry of the Interior designated the East Jugu Lighthouse as a second-class historical monument in the Taiwan-Fujian region. It is the first lighthouse in Taiwan built using granite, painted in pure white, standing approximately 19.5 meters tall. The light source can reach as far as 16.7 nautical miles (about 31 kilometers) after being refracted through a prismatic lens. The East Jugu Lighthouse has quietly served on Dongjugu Island for over a century, flashing a distinctive signal of one long and two short lights each night. Notably, a 30-meter long white windbreak wall is constructed on the grassy area connecting the lighthouse and the office. This was necessary due to the strong winds at the high elevation of the lighthouse, allowing staff to pass quickly in a crouched position during severe gusts, preventing their oil lamps from being extinguished. The Bai Mao Cheng - Lighthouse Relics Exhibition Hall, opened in June 2008, features a long white windbreak wall, and the local residents refer to this place as "Bai Mao Cheng," showcasing a British architectural style. The hall houses a rich collection of lighthouse artifacts, adding to the attractiveness of lighthouse tourism and is a highlight not to be missed. The Dongjugu Artillery Battery, one of the hotspots for viewing blue tears, is connected to the East Jugu Lighthouse. This area, previously a military stronghold, stretches several hundred meters along the coastline, featuring bunkers and howitzers. It is now a military attraction in Matsu, open for visitors. Walking along the wooden-railed path to the small platform at the end provides a fantastic spot for privately viewing the blue tears at night. Note: The Dongjugu Island has rocky terrain and poor nighttime visibility, making it risky to explore alone. It is advised to visit with a tour guide when viewing the blue tears.
