Mulantou Lighthouse, lighthouse in Wenchang, Hainan, China

Mulantou Lighthouse is a cylindrical concrete tower on Wenchang's coast that rises 72 meters high with a white exterior and red trim. It features a two-story base with an observation room positioned above, allowing views across the surrounding waters and landscape.

The tower was built in 1995 on a northeastern point of Hainan Island to mark the southern entrance of the Qiongzhou Strait. It reflects the period when maritime infrastructure in the region was undergoing modern expansion.

The name Mulantou (木栏头) refers to the headland itself, at the northeastern tip of Hainan. The tower's two white flashes every 15 seconds mark the south side of the Qiongzhou Strait entrance, a signal local fishermen and passing crews watch for. Its red-and-white paint scheme is the standard navigational marking that lets vessels identify it by day.

The lighthouse sends out regular light signals visible from considerable distances, serving as an important navigation aid for vessels in the area. Visitors should know that it remains an active maritime facility, so access may vary depending on operational needs.

This structure ranks among the world's tallest lighthouses at 72 meters and demonstrates the scale of modern Chinese coastal engineering. Few visitors realize that this tower also serves a strategic role in safe navigation along one of the region's busiest shipping routes.