A breathtaking skyline rivaling the Greek Aegean Sea—Matsu Dongyong Lighthouse

Text / Interview and report by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network

The northernmost historic site in the country, the "Dongyin Lighthouse," actually named the "Dongyong Lighthouse," is located on the mountainside of Shiwei Mountain on Dongyin Island. It was designated as a third-grade historic site by the Ministry of the Interior in 1988 and has a history of 108 years, seven years older than the Republic of China. With its pure white exterior and British architectural style, it is also known as the "Dongyin Villa." Watching the snow-white eastern tower standing on the edge of a cliff, set against the endless blue sea and sky, the stunning view is no less impressive than that of the islands in the Greek Aegean Sea.

The Dongyong Lighthouse was completed in the 30th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1904 AD). It originated from the Qing court’s crushing defeat in the Opium Wars, which forced the opening of southeast coastal trading ports. To guide passing ships, the British designed and built this lighthouse. Since its completion, it has undergone several renovations, including in the 2nd and 55th years of the Republic of China, and has now become a must-visit attraction for tourists coming to Dongyin.

Among the locals, you might hear it referred to as the "Dongyin Villa." This is because, in the resource-scarce old days, lighthouse keepers had to live in the lighthouse with their entire families. Moreover, food supplies were difficult to come by, with supply ships arriving only once every few months. As a result, pigsties and chicken coops were built into the mountain wall behind the lighthouse to ensure the keepers had enough food during periods without resupply. A life with their own pigsties and chicken coops made the lighthouse keepers the envy of ordinary people, hence the nickname "Dongyin Villa." However, due to limited space during construction, the buildings had to be extended upward along the mountain slope, creating the unique sight of houses perched beside steep cliffs.

Standing next to the houses behind the lighthouse and looking out over the endless sea, with the sea breeze blowing and waves churning, one feels refreshed and uplifted. However, if you want to capture the beautiful scene of the white Dongyong Lighthouse set against the blue sea and sky, remember to plan your visit in the afternoon. Since the lighthouse is situated on an east-facing cliff, visiting in the afternoon ensures you avoid backlighting and prevents the sea from appearing as a white blur.