Yuwengdao Lighthouse (Xiyu Lighthouse) | Penghu Attraction

Yuwengdao Lighthouse was first built in the 43rd year of the Qianlong reign (1778), making it one of the earliest lighthouses established in Taiwan. The current white circular tower was rebuilt in 1875 and is now a National Historic Site. Located at the westernmost tip of Xiyu Island, the light has a range of 20 nautical miles and continues to function as a navigation aid today — a living historic site still in operation.

Highlights of Yuwengdao Lighthouse

The lighthouse's earliest construction in the Qianlong era reflects Penghu's role as an important shipping transit point during the Qing Dynasty; merchant and fishing vessels passing through the Taiwan Strait relied on it for orientation. The current main tower, rebuilt in 1875, is a white circular brick structure — taller than the earlier stone lighthouse — and a range of 20 nautical miles confirms it still serves an active navigation function.

The lighthouse stands on cliffside terrain at the westernmost tip of Xiyu Island, facing west across the Taiwan Strait. On clear days you can look out over a vast expanse of open water. The white lighthouse tower stands out sharply against a blue sky. The surrounding compound has preserved the ancillary buildings used to manage the lighthouse, and the whole site is well maintained.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

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Know That the Lighthouse Is Still ActiveThe lighthouse remains in operation, rotating its light at fixed intervals — visible from the sea at night. During a daytime visit you can examine the lighthouse structure and understand its navigational function.

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Look Out over the Taiwan StraitThe lighthouse is at the westernmost tip of Xiyu Island. Standing near it and looking down the cliff face to the sea below conveys a real sense of the Taiwan Strait's scale and sea conditions.

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Study the Lighthouse ArchitectureThe white circular brick tower rebuilt in 1875 can be compared with lighthouses elsewhere in Taiwan. The ancillary buildings preserve the spatial layout from the lighthouse's active management period.

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Visit Alongside Xiyu West FortThe lighthouse and Xiyu West Fort are both in the Waian Village area. The two were built at different times but are equally connected to Penghu's coastal defense history — combining them into a half-day visit is recommended.

Practical Information

Getting There & Time

Located in Waian Village, Xiyu Township, close to Xiyu West Fort. From Magong City, cross the Penghu Great Bridge and continue south — about 50–60 minutes by scooter.
Check opening hours before you go with the Maritime and Port Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, or on-site notices; access may be restricted during certain hours.
Combine with Xiyu West Fort for a total of about 2–2.5 hours.

Nearby Connections

Directly adjacent to Xiyu West Fort — a few minutes on foot or by scooter makes them the core heritage pairing at Waian Village.
Xiyu Township also has Daguoye Basalt Columns (Chidong Village) and Erkan Village — plan a full-day Xiyu itinerary.

Sources: Cultural Heritage Bureau, Ministry of Culture (National Historic Site records); spot context notes. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.

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