Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse

Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse

Also known as Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse, it is one of the five surviving pre-war lighthouses in Hong Kong and was declared a monument on March 3, 2006. Located at Cape D'Aguila on the D'Aguilar Peninsula in the southeastern part of Hong Kong Island, the lighthouse was activated on April 16, 1875, making it Hong Kong’s first lighthouse.

In 1893, the Waglan Lighthouse was completed and put into operation, after which Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse lost its original function and ceased operations in 1896. In 1905, authorities decided to relocate the decommissioned first-order light and its associated equipment from Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse to Green Island, replacing the fourth-order light there. By 1975, the lighthouse was automated, and its light was turned on again.

The current structure of Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse is a white circular stone tower standing 9.7 meters tall. The base of the lighthouse, the arched doorway, and the spiral staircase are all built from stone, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Above the entrance iron gate is a geometric-patterned decoration that adds a unique touch. The lighting apparatus is a fixed first-order dioptric lens, emitting a white light visible up to 23 nautical miles away. The lighthouse holds an important place in Hong Kong’s maritime history and is currently managed by the Marine Department of Hong Kong.

Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse

Must-visit reason: Hong Kong’s earliest established lighthouse