The original 1778 lighthouse was built under the Qing Dynasty and was initially named the 'West Fort Lighthouse'.
The current structure was rebuilt by British engineers in 1875 using cast iron, making it one of the earliest Western-style lighthouses in the region.
The fog cannons installed at the site were crucial for navigation before the invention of modern radar systems.
The lighthouse is positioned at the westernmost point of the Penghu archipelago, acting as a critical waypoint for ships entering the Taiwan Strait.
The stone walls surrounding the complex utilize local Penghu basalt, highlighting the architectural adaptation to the island's geological conditions.
Yuwengdao Lighthouse, also known as Xiyu Lighthouse, is the oldest lighthouse in Taiwan, originally established by the Qing Dynasty in 1778 and rebuilt in its current form in 1875. The structure features a white-washed cylindrical iron tower situated on a high basalt cliff overlooking the treacherous waters of the Penghu Channel. The site remains historically significant for its fog cannons, which were installed to assist vessels navigating through dense seasonal mists. The lighthouse complex includes historical residential quarters, a fog signal house, and stone perimeter walls that have survived decades of maritime exposure. It is a designated National Monument due to its role in the early modernization of Taiwan's maritime infrastructure. Visitors can walk the grounds to observe the Western-style architecture integrated with local building materials. The position on the western edge of Penghu provides an unobstructed vantage point over the surrounding ocean and nearby cliffs.
From the perimeter walking path looking back at the lighthouse with the ocean in the background.
Bring a windbreaker, as the coastal winds at this cliffside location are powerful year-round.
Combine your visit with the nearby basalt column cliffs to see the island's unique geology.
Stay for sunset, as the lighthouse orientation offers a clear view over the western horizon.
Attempting to climb the lighthouse tower, as interior access is generally restricted to the public.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance; typically closed on the following day if a public holiday falls on a Monday.
Stay on marked paths to avoid cliff edges; do not touch the historical maritime equipment.
