Dongyin Lighthouse (Dongyin Island Lighthouse) Introduction
The White Pearl of the Northern Border: Dongyong Lighthouse (also known as Dongyin Island Lighthouse) is located on the slope of Shihwei Mountain, at the easternmost point of the Matsu archipelago. It is also referred to as the Beijang Lighthouse. Featuring a pure white brick structure that stands 13 meters tall, it exudes an 18th-century European architectural style, rising majestically on a cliff. The construction of Dongyong Lighthouse originated in the 27th year of the Guangxu reign (around 1901) after the ship "Sublime" ran aground and sank near Dongyong. Although the passengers and cargo were safe, the shipping company suffered significant losses. The surge in import and export trade after the opening of Sandu Port eventually led to the establishment of the Dongyong Lighthouse. In 1988, it was designated as a National 3rd Class Historic Site by the Council for Cultural Affairs and was upgraded to a National Historic Site in 2016, making it the northernmost historic site in the Taiwan and Fujian region. Initially, the lighthouse was located in a restricted area, and the lighthouse keeper had to live there with their family. To supply food for the staff, chicken coops and pigsties were established. During times of scarcity, people outside the lighthouse envied those inside, leading to the nickname "Dongyin Villa." At the cliff below the lighthouse, there are two fog cannons, and a foghorn has been added to replace the fog cannons for navigation assistance. The lighthouse faces the East China Sea, with its white silhouette standing against the blue sea below, creating a captivating view. Visitors can easily find the lighthouse by following the winding path along the low white concrete railings. Note: To reach the Dongyong Lighthouse, visitors must first park their vehicles at the end of the road and then take the trail that goes through Leigushi and Taibaitiansheng to reach the lighthouse entrance.
