Taiwan Food Atlas

Fugui Cape Lighthouse, Sanzhi

The northernmost octagonal black-and-white lighthouse on the Taiwan main island and a ventifact trail
📍 New Taipei · Fugui Cape📷 Landmark🔖 Taiwan's northernmost point

Fugui Cape is the northernmost headland of the Taiwan main island. Its octagonal lighthouse with alternating black-and-white stripes was built in 1896 and remains in active navigational use. Strong winds blow year-round around the headland, which is strewn with reefs, and the trail features ventifact geological formations unique to northern Taiwan. This is the most panoramic and geographically significant endpoint on the north coast.

What to see at Fugui Cape Lighthouse

Fugui Cape Lighthouse was built in 1896 during the Japanese colonial period, making it one of the earliest modern lighthouses constructed in Taiwan. It is identified by its octagonal tower with black-and-white stripe pattern and stands about 14.3 meters tall. The lighthouse sits at the tip of Fugui Cape, the northernmost latitude point of the Taiwan main island, facing the junction of the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. The view opens 360 degrees; on clear days, Pengjia Islet can be seen to the north.

Along the trail to the lighthouse, the reef ground is scattered with large numbers of ventifacts. These form because the headland's year-round northeast monsoon carries fine sand that abrades the rock surfaces, creating multiple flat facets — a distinctive geological landscape. The trail is about 1 kilometer long with modest elevation changes, but strong wind is present almost year-round. During the autumn–winter northeast monsoon season (roughly October through March of the following year), wind is especially fierce — dress warmly.

How to make the most of your visit

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Viewing the lighthouse architectureThe lighthouse is characterized by its black-and-white stripes. For opening hours and rules about entering, check the official announcements from the Maritime and Port Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications — some time slots allow exterior photography only.
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Ventifact geology trailRock surfaces along the trail show ventifact facets formed by years of wind erosion — a landform unique to the north coast. Crouch down to observe the textures up close.
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Experiencing the wind at the northernmost pointFugui Cape is consistently windy year-round, most noticeably during the autumn–winter northeast monsoon. Bring a windproof jacket, and experience the geographical significance of Taiwan's northernmost tip.
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Sunrise and seascapeFugui Cape faces northeast toward the sea. In clear summer weather (roughly May through September), the northeast sunrise direction is favorable for photographing the lighthouse against the morning horizon.

Practical information

Getting there and timing

  • Driving is the primary option. Take Provincial Highway No. 2 to Sanzhi, then follow signs to Fugui Cape. There is a car park at the trailhead.
  • Public transport is infrequent. Check bus schedules in advance; reaching here by public transport alone is not recommended.
  • The trail is open all day, but the path is slippery in strong wind or rain. Do not go during typhoon warnings.

Nearby connections

  • Laomei Green Reef (best during the algae growing season, roughly April to May) is along the Sanzhi coast — plan a same-day visit.
  • Heading east along Provincial Highway No. 2 connects to Shimen Cave and Jinshan, linking north coast attractions.

Source: Maritime and Port Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, lighthouse information; Sanzhi District tourism data, New Taipei City. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.

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