Keelung Lighthouse is a white brick lighthouse on the western headland of Keelung Harbor in Zhongshan District, begun in 1899 and completed and lit in 1900 — the first brick lighthouse finished in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period.
Keelung Lighthouse stands at No. 51 Guanghua Road in Zhongshan District, on the western headland of Keelung Harbor known as Wanrenduibi — not on Heping Island. Construction began in April 1899 (Meiji 32), completing on February 24, 1900 and first lit on April 1, 1900. It was the third lighthouse completed in Taiwan by the Japanese, after Bitou Cape and Fugui Cape, and the first brick lighthouse of the colonial period. It was rebuilt with a reinforced-concrete tower in 1962, and opened to public visits on January 10, 2024, becoming the 22nd lighthouse in Taiwan open for tours.
What to See at Keelung Lighthouse
Keelung Lighthouse stands at an elevated point on the northern tip of Heping Island, facing the open sea, and performs the function of guiding ships into the harbor. The lighthouse has a white cylindrical structure with a clean, simple form; it is one of the earlier-built lighthouses along Taiwan's northern coast. The lighthouse is maintained by the maritime authority, and the grounds are open to visitors during certain periods.
The area surrounding the lighthouse faces the East China Sea and the northern coast, offering views of vessels tracking in along the navigational corridor. Combined with a visit to Heping Island Geopark, you can take in both natural geological scenery and modern maritime infrastructure on the same island. It is advisable to check the Maritime and Port Bureau's announcements for the lighthouse's current opening status and hours before visiting.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Hours
- Heping Island is accessible by bus from central Keelung; the lighthouse is on the northern tip of the island, reachable on foot or by bike.
- Lighthouse opening hours are subject to Ministry of Transportation and Communications Maritime and Port Bureau announcements — confirm before departure.
Nearby Connections
- Heping Island Geopark and Shiliao East Battery are both on the same island — a full island day itinerary is straightforward.
- After returning to central Keelung you can continue to Miaokou Night Market or a harborside stroll.
Source: compiled from publicly available documents and Ministry of Transportation and Communications Maritime and Port Bureau information. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keelung Lighthouse located on Heping Island?
No, it stands in Zhongshan District on Keelung Harbor's western headland, not on Heping Island.
When was Keelung Lighthouse built?
Construction began in 1899 and it was completed and lit in 1900, the first brick lighthouse finished in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period.
Can visitors go inside Keelung Lighthouse?
Yes, it opened to public visits on January 10, 2024, becoming the 22nd lighthouse in Taiwan open for tours.
Sources
- 基隆燈塔 - 維基百科 — 確切位置（非和平島）、建造竣工年份、開放參觀資訊