Gap Rock Lighthouse, Historical lighthouse in Wenwei Zhou, China.
Gap Rock Lighthouse stands on an island in the South China Sea and serves as a navigation aid for ships. The structure sends out a light signal every six seconds and is now powered by solar energy.
The Qing government authorized the lighthouse construction in 1888, while maintaining Chinese sovereignty over the island territory. Three years after its 1892 opening, a severe storm destroyed the original lantern, prompting a quick replacement.
The lighthouse symbolizes British-Chinese cooperation in maritime infrastructure projects of the late 19th century. The structure shows how different cultures worked together to improve shipping safety in this region.
The island is accessible in good weather and gives visitors a view of the region's maritime past. The best time to explore is during stable weather conditions, when the view of the structure and surrounding sea is clear.
The original lantern was not permanent and had to be replaced after a storm just a few years after completion. This vulnerability shows the harsh conditions that maritime structures face in this region.
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