Xiao Qingdao Lighthouse

Xiao Qingdao Lighthouse is a white cylindrical tower standing on a small island in the Yellow Sea. The structure rises about 18 meters above sea level and marks an important navigation point for ships passing through these waters.

German authorities built the lighthouse in 1904 during their control of Qingdao. The structure was part of the maritime infrastructure developed at that time to help ships navigate these coastal waters safely.

The island's name comes from its shape, which locals compare to an ancient Chinese musical instrument, calling it Qin Dao. This connection to music remains part of how people think about and talk about the place today.

The island is now open to visitors and offers views of the Qingdao coastline. The path to the island and tower can be windy, so bringing appropriate clothing is a good idea.

The island was a restricted military zone until 1987 and was closed to the public for many decades. This long isolation has kept the landscape relatively untouched and gives visitors a sense of how remote the place once was.