Name and Location

The Lanyu Lighthouse sits on the southeastern coast of Orchid Island (Lanyu), Taitung County, Taiwan. Its official name is 蘭嶼燈塔 (Lanyu Lighthouse).

Construction and History

The exact date of construction for the Lanyu Lighthouse is not publicly recorded, but research suggests it was built in the late 20th century. The light remains an important minor aid to navigation in the ROC-administered islands.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a functional, utilitarian concrete tower typical of minor coastal lights. It stands approximately 216 meters tall, with a cylindrical shape and a gallery and lantern at the top. The structure is painted white.

Light and Navigation

The light has a focal height of 216 meters above sea level and a range of 26 nautical miles (approximately 48 kilometers). Its characteristic is group flashing white, with four flashes every 24 seconds. The light source is likely modern halogen or LED beacon.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the grounds surrounding the lighthouse, but the tower interior is not open for climbing. The area is open to the public, with benches and viewpoint platforms provided. To reach the lighthouse, follow Huandao Road from Lanyu's main ferry pier at Dong-Kou.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers panoramic ocean vistas toward the Philippine Sea, with stunning sunsets and moonrises framing the lantern. The surrounding landscape features rugged volcanic coastline, lush subtropical vegetation, and occasional nesting seabirds.

Anecdotes and Folklore

• Locals claim that on stormy nights, the light guides returning canoes laden with flying fish.
• Marians also note that high hills inland can temporarily block sightlines to the lamp.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is presumed fully automated, with no resident keepers. Power supply likely comes from solar-supplemented or mains-fed with battery backup.

Further Information

For more information, consult Wikipedia (Chinese) at https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/蘭嶼燈塔, Wikidata at Q17036349, US NGA List of Lights, Pub. 112 (2009-11-12), and Maritime and Port Bureau, MOTC (Taiwan) official light lists and notices to mariners.