It was the first lighthouse in Taiwan to be equipped with a rotating lens system.
The lighthouse tower was originally constructed with a square base, but was converted to an octagonal shape during early 20th-century upgrades.
The current tower height is 15.2 meters, while the focal plane height is 58.2 meters above sea level.
It is one of the few remaining lighthouses in Taiwan that maintains a traditional brick-and-mortar masonry style from the late Qing dynasty.
The site was historically vital for guiding merchant vessels safely through the dangerous rocky entrance of the then-named Takow Harbor.
Kaohsiung Lighthouse, also known as Cijin Lighthouse, is a historic white octagonal structure built in 1883 by the British engineer David Marr Henderson. The lighthouse is situated on the northern end of Cijin Island, overlooking the entrance to Kaohsiung Harbor. It features a unique blend of Victorian and Chinese architectural styles, with the lantern room reconstructed in the 1910s during the Japanese colonial period. The site provides a panoramic vantage point for observing container ships navigating the narrow channel between Cijin Island and the main city. Visitors reach the lighthouse via a paved trail winding up the hillside from the port area. The site was declared a municipal historic site in 1992. The grounds now include an integrated café and exhibition space following recent renovations in 2022.
The elevated viewing deck just outside the lighthouse enclosure provides an unobstructed frame of the lighthouse tower against the Kaohsiung city skyline.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the path from the base of the hill to the lighthouse entrance is steep and involves multiple stairs.
Bring sun protection, as the site is fully exposed to the ocean breeze and lacks significant natural shade.
Visit the adjacent Cihou Fort, located on the same hillside, to complete the historical loop.
Do not attempt the hike in midday heat during summer months; avoid visiting during typhoon warnings when the coastal paths may be cordoned off.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Maintain respectful noise levels near the residential areas at the base of the trail and avoid climbing on historical masonry walls.
