For a family spring outing this New Year, the newly reopened Kaohsiung Qihou Lighthouse is a great option, combining sightseeing with outdoor activity.
Due to the strong winds and heavy rains brought by Typhoon Meranti, Kaohsiung Qihou Lighthouse on Qihou Mountain by the harbor was affected. The hiking path leading up to the lighthouse saw multiple fallen trees, with roots pulling rocks from the hillside and leaving them precariously hanging — posing a risk of sudden collapse.
The Kaohsiung Harbor Bureau has since cleared the fallen trees and exposed roots, but some unstable slope soil and rocks remain uncleared. As a result, the usual hiking route to the lighthouse remains closed, though the hiking trail from Qihou Fort to the lighthouse is still accessible.
The Kaohsiung Harbor Bureau has announced that Kaohsiung Qihou Lighthouse will reopen to the public on November 25, 2016 (Republic of China calendar). Visitors are advised to use the trail from Qihou Fort to the lighthouse. Efforts to clear remaining hazards will continue in order to restore the lighthouse’s original scenic beauty.
Located above the entrance of Kaohsiung Harbor — Taiwan’s largest international port — Kaohsiung Qihou Lighthouse sits atop Qihou Mountain, facing Chai Mountain. The two mountains frame the harbor’s First Channel, which is about 300 meters wide. Thanks to the natural shelter provided by Qihou Mountain, the waters within the harbor area remain calm.
The white-painted Kaohsiung Qihou Lighthouse was built in 1883 and has undergone renovations and expansions. It now features a modern fourth-order rotating Fresnel lens light with an intensity of 850,000 candlepower. From the observation deck in front of the tower, visitors can overlook Kaohsiung Harbor’s First Channel and watch ships come and go, as well as enjoy distant views of Chai Mountain and West District (Sizihwan) and other scenic spots.
Beneath Kaohsiung Qihou Lighthouse on Qihou Mountain, there are several caves dug by the Japanese military during World War II as air-raid shelters. These caves are interconnected and winding, but harbor officials warn that they have been abandoned for a long time, are completely dark inside, and may harbor snakes or other hazards — visitors should not enter them.
To fully enjoy the century-old Kaohsiung Qihou Lighthouse, you’ll need to hike up to the top of Qihou Mountain. This spring trip combines hiking for fitness with sightseeing around Kaohsiung Harbor’s many attractions, making it a perfect choice for a family New Year outing. 1060127
(CNA)