東椗島燈塔, Maritime lighthouse in Kinmen County, Taiwan
The Dongding Island Lighthouse is a cylindrical tower made of black brick that stands in the southern waters of Kinmen County. It functions as a navigation aid for vessels traveling through the Taiwan Strait and remains staffed by local maritime authorities.
The structure was built in 1871 by maritime authorities and ranks among the earliest navigation aids in the Taiwan Strait. It has served as a critical part of regional maritime safety infrastructure since its construction.
The lighthouse serves as a navigation landmark in the Taiwan Strait and reflects the region's long maritime tradition. Its continued operation shows how local communities have maintained sea routes that connect nearby settlements and fishing grounds.
The lighthouse is visible from the water and serves as an orientation point for boat traffic in the Kinmen area. Access requires boat travel or participation in organized maritime tours, as the location is only reachable by water.
The tower underwent major repairs in 1964 after suffering damage from artillery fire during regional military tensions. These repairs demonstrate the structure's resilience and its continued importance despite the conflicts that affected the area.
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