Taiwan Food Atlas

Baishajiao Lighthouse

Built during the Japanese colonial era in 1899, the westernmost lighthouse on the Taiwan main island is still in active operation
📍 Taoyuan · Guanyin District · Baishajiao📷 Landmark🔖 Built in 1899 · westernmost lighthouse on the Taiwan main island · autumn Taiwan golden rain tree landscape (approximately September–November)

Baishajiao Lighthouse is a lighthouse in Guanyin District, Taoyuan, built by the Japanese colonial government between 1898 and 1901. Damaged by Allied aircraft during World War II, it was rebuilt to its current height of 27.7 meters and designated a National Historic Site in 2021; it still guides ships crossing the Taiwan Strait today.

According to Taiwan's Maritime and Port Bureau and Wikipedia, Baishajiao Lighthouse was begun in 1898 and completed in January 1901, making it the third lighthouse built by the Japanese colonial government in Taiwan. Damaged by Allied aircraft during World War II, it was rebuilt to its current height of 27.7 meters. Its heritage status was upgraded over time: designated a Taoyuan county historic site in 2002, a municipal historic site in 2014, and finally a National Historic Site on May 10, 2021.

Highlights of Baishajiao Lighthouse

Baishajiao Lighthouse was built in 1899 by the Japanese colonial authorities as an important navigation aid for the safety of Taiwan Strait shipping lanes. Standing 36.9 meters tall in a white cylindrical design, it is one of the larger lighthouses in Taiwan. The lighthouse is still maintained and operated by the Republic of China Ministry of Transportation and Communications Maritime and Port Bureau, and is listed as a Municipal Historic Site — one of the few lighthouses in Taiwan that holds both heritage status and an active operational function.

Large numbers of Taiwan golden rain trees are planted around the lighthouse. In autumn (approximately September to November), the bloom transitions from yellow flowers to red seed pods, creating a layered, richly colored forest landscape — one of the most seasonally vivid spots along the Taoyuan coastline. Located at the westernmost point of the Taiwan main island, on clear days the strait views are expansive, and it is also an excellent position for watching the sunset. Arriving about 30 minutes before sunset is recommended.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

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Learn about the lighthouse architectureThe lighthouse is a white cylindrical cast-iron structure with attached outbuildings, well preserved overall. The interior is open for climbing during certain periods — check the Maritime and Port Bureau's official announcements for open hours.
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Autumn golden rain tree landscape (September–November)The Taiwan golden rain tree bloom-to-fruit color change period runs from September to November, transitioning from yellow flowers to orange-red seed pods with vivid colors — the best season of the year to visit Baishajiao Lighthouse visually.
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Sunset at the westernmost pointBaishajiao is the westernmost point of the Taiwan main island, facing the Taiwan Strait with no obstructions. At sunset, the sun sinks directly below the sea horizon — the signature sunset-viewing spot along the Taoyuan coastline.
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Autumn-winter migratory bird watchingThe lighthouse's surrounding woodland and coastal wetlands are a stopover for migratory birds. From autumn to winter (approximately October to March of the following year), a variety of passage waterbirds and raptors can be observed — binoculars are recommended.

Practical Information

Getting There & Timing

  • Located on the Baishajiao coast in Guanyin District. By car, take Provincial Highway 61 (Xibinhuaisu) to the Guanyin interchange. Parking is available. Public transport is infrequent — driving or renting a scooter is recommended.
  • For lighthouse park opening hours and tower-visit windows, refer to the official announcements of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications Maritime and Port Bureau; the site may be closed at certain times for maintenance.

Nearby Connections

  • Heading north from Guanyin District along Provincial Highway 61 connects to Xinwu Stone Fish Traps (sp-ty-16) and Yong'an Fishing Harbor (sp-ty-30), forming a full-day Taoyuan west coast route.
  • The Guanyin Lotus Garden (a lotus planting area in Guanyin District, in bloom approximately June to September each year) can serve as a seasonal additional attraction in the same district; check the Taoyuan City Agriculture Bureau for specific dates.

Sources: Ministry of Transportation and Communications Maritime and Port Bureau lighthouse data, Taoyuan City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau historic site data. Hero image pending Dio's original photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Baishajiao Lighthouse built?

Construction began in 1898 and it was completed and lit in January 1901, making it the third lighthouse built in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial era.

How tall is the lighthouse today?

It currently stands 27.7 meters tall, the result of postwar reconstruction after Allied aircraft damaged it during World War II.

What heritage status does it hold?

It has been a National Historic Site since May 10, 2021, having previously held Taoyuan county and municipal historic site status.

Sources

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