Dongju Lighthouse (Dongquan Lighthouse) | Lienchiang Attraction

Dongju Lighthouse was built in 1872 under British direction, constructed from local granite. Standing 19.5 meters tall, its signal of one long flash followed by two short ones continues to guide passing vessels today. Designated a national historic site, it is the most intact Western-style lighthouse in Matsu and the most iconic landmark on Dongju Island. The grounds around the lighthouse are open and wind-swept, with sweeping views over the East China Sea channel that leave a lasting impression.

Highlights of Dongju Lighthouse

In the mid-nineteenth century, British vessels traded frequently along East China Sea routes. To ensure safe navigation off the Fujian and Zhejiang coasts, Britain negotiated with the Qing court to establish lighthouses in the Matsu sea area. Dongquan Lighthouse (Dongju was formerly known as "Dongquan") was completed in 1872. Its cylindrical tower, built from locally quarried granite, has walls over one meter thick. The light reaches 31 kilometers; on clear days, ships off Taiwan's western coast can see its beam.

The lighthouse complex includes the main tower, the lightkeeper's quarters (now restored and open to visitors), and auxiliary buildings such as an oil storage room — the overall layout is intact, a testament to late-Qing Sino-British cooperative construction. The open grounds around the lighthouse offer no shelter from the wind, and visitors often sit on the grass, looking down at the reefs and surging waves below the cliffs. At night, the light flashes in its regular pattern — Dongju Island's most recognizable nocturnal sight.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

🏛️

Read the Architectural DetailsThe granite masonry of the tower, the iron fittings of the lantern room, and the Western-style window frames of the quarters are key details for observing late-Qing British construction craftsmanship.

🌊

Look Out over the East China Sea from the CliffThe cliff on the south side of the lighthouse offers a view down over the East China Sea channel. On clear days you can make out the outlines of distant islets; on stormy days the sound of waves crashing against the cliff is thunderous.

🌅

Best Light in the Late AfternoonAfternoon sunlight slanting from the west falls on the white lighthouse tower and the granite grounds — the best time to photograph the lighthouse. Allow at least an hour.

🌃

Watch the Light Signal at NightAt night, near the lighthouse, you can observe the regular one-long-two-short flash pattern and experience the lighthouse's actual function as a maritime landmark.

Practical Information

Getting There and Time Needed

To reach Dongju, take a ferry from Fuao Harbor on Nangan, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. There are also boats between the Juguang islands (East and West Juguang). Schedules are closely tied to weather — check the latest timetable with Matsu Shipping Company.
Dongju Island is small. The lighthouse is about a 20- to 30-minute walk from Fuzheng Village, or you can rent a scooter on the island.
The lighthouse area has interpretive signs. Visit during daylight to observe the architectural details.

Nearby Connections

On Dongju Island, combine with Fuzheng Village and Dapu Rock Inscription for a full day. Recommended route: start from the lighthouse and walk the trail down to Fuzheng.
If you have two days, take a boat to West Juguang to visit Square Waves (Kunqiu Beach) and Caipu'ao Geopark.

Source: Ministry of Culture Bureau of Cultural Heritage national historic site records, Matsu National Scenic Area Administration. Photos pending Dio's on-site shots.

🗺️ View on the map ← All Lienchiang attractions