Laotieshan Lighthouse

Laotieshan Lighthouse is an iron cylinder standing 14 meters tall on northeastern China's coast, built from cast iron materials. A powerful Fresnel lens sits at the top and rotates to send light signals across the water, helping ships navigate safely through the straits.

Built as a prefabricated structure in France, the lighthouse was installed in 1893 to mark the entrance to Lüshun harbor. Over the following decades, control of the facility passed through Russian, Japanese, and Soviet hands before China regained management of the site.

The keeper houses and support buildings around the lighthouse reflect how different maritime traditions shaped this coastal area. Walking through the grounds, you notice the architecture shows layers of different cultures that once managed this place.

The lighthouse is located where sea views open up widely, and visits are most comfortable during clear weather. Access to the grounds is straightforward, though the terrain is uneven and wind exposure is strong, especially in colder months.

The site sits where the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea meet, making it a gathering place for migrating birds throughout the year. Many visitors miss that this location serves as a critical stopover point for traveling flocks, particularly during seasonal passages.