Dongju Island Lighthouse (Dongqian Lighthouse) Introduction
The East Jue Island Lighthouse, also known as the "East Jue Island Lighthouse," is located in the northeastern part of East Jue Island and has withstood a hundred years of history under the blue sea and sky. It was built during the Qing Dynasty in 1872 at the request of the British, following the loss in the Opium War and the signing of the Treaty of Nanking, which opened coastal trade to foreign entities. The lighthouse was constructed to help identify the direction towards Fuzhou. In 1988, it was designated as a second-class historical monument in the Taiwan and Fujian area by the Ministry of the Interior. It is the first lighthouse in Taiwan built with granite, painted in pure white, with a height of approximately 19.5 meters. The light source, refracted through a crystal lens, can reach a distance of 16.7 nautical miles (about 31 kilometers). The East Jue Island Lighthouse has served faithfully for over a century, emitting a signal of one long and two short flashes every night. Notably, there is a 30-meter-long white windbreak wall built on the grass connecting the lighthouse to the office. This windbreak wall is essential because the lighthouse is situated on high ground where the wind is strong, allowing staff to pass quickly under harsh winds without extinguishing their oil lamps. The Bai Mao Cheng - Lighthouse Relics Exhibition Hall, opened in June 2008, features a long white windbreak wall, and locals refer to this area as "Bai Mao Cheng." It is built in an English style and houses an extensive collection of lighthouse relics, enhancing the tourism experience related to the lighthouse and making it a must-visit highlight. The East Jue Gun Emplacement, connected to the East Jue Island Lighthouse, was once a military stronghold, with barracks extending several hundred meters along the coastline, featuring bunkers and artillery. Today, it has become a military tourist site in Matsu, open for visitors to explore. Walking along the path enclosed by wooden railings leads to a small platform at the end, which is one of the prime spots to watch the blue tears at night! Note: East Jue Island has many rocky terrains, and the lack of light at night can pose dangers. It is strongly advised not to go alone and to visit the blue tears with a guide.
