Kaohsiung Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse in Cijin District, Taiwan
The Kaohsiung Lighthouse is a white octagonal structure standing on Mount Ki-au on Cijin Island, topped with a lantern dome and balcony. The tower guides ships through the strait from its elevated position on the island.
British engineers built the original structure in 1883 after the harbor opened for international shipping. This construction marked the beginning of modern maritime infrastructure for the region.
The lighthouse shows how European building styles mixed with local construction methods to create something that worked for Taiwan's maritime trade. Walking around the structure, you can see how these two influences came together in the architecture.
The lighthouse sits on Cijin Island and is best reached by ferry from the mainland. Daytime visits work well since you can enjoy views of the island and surrounding waters clearly.
The structure was one of the first lighthouses built to European standards in Taiwan. It represents an early example of Western maritime technology helping to improve shipping safety in the region.
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