Dongyong Lighthouse (Dongyin Island Lighthouse) Introduction
Dongyung Lighthouse, also known as Dongyin Island Lighthouse, is located on the hillside of Shihwei Mountain in the easternmost part of the Matsu archipelago, and is also referred to as the North Border Lighthouse. With its pure white brick tower standing at 13 meters tall, it is filled with 18th-century European architectural style, towering over a cliff. The construction of the Dongyung Lighthouse began in the 27th year of the Guangxu reign (around 1901) after the ship "Subulun" measuring 450 feet ran aground near Dongyung and sank. Although the passengers and cargo were safe, the shipping company suffered significant losses. Moreover, after the opening of Sandu Bay, the import and export trade volume doubled, eventually leading to the establishment of the Dongyung Lighthouse. In 1988, it was designated as a National Third-Class Historic Site by the Council for Cultural Affairs and upgraded to a national historic site in 2016, making it the northernmost historic site in the Taiwan and Fujian area. In the early days, the lighthouse was located in a restricted area, and the lighthouse keepers had to live there with their families. To provide food for the staff, chicken and pig shelters were established. During a time of material shortages, people outside the tower envied the lighthouse keepers, resulting in the area being nicknamed "Dongyin Villa." At the edge of the cliff below the lighthouse, there are two fog guns, which have now been replaced by a foghorn for navigation assistance. Facing the East China Sea, the lighthouse's white structure towering over the cliffs reflects beautifully with the deep blue waters below, making it particularly captivating. Visitors can follow the low white concrete railing winding up to find the lighthouse. Note: To reach Dongyung Lighthouse, visitors must first park their vehicles at the parking lot at the end of the road and then walk along the path through Leigu Stone and Taibai Tian Sheng to arrive at the lighthouse entrance.
