Kaohsiung Lighthouse Keeper

Photo by Carter

【◎Written by Su Yu-ling ◎Translation by Lin Yu-ciao ◎Photos by Huang Jing-wun, Carter ◎Photo courtesy of Maritime and Port Bureau, MOTC】

Kaohsiung Lighthouse（高雄燈塔）, also known as Cihou Lighthouse（旗後燈塔）, is the representative landmark of the Port of Kaohsiung. Its pure white appearance exudes classical beauty, making it a well-known tourist attraction. As the only lighthouse in the country open to the public at night time, it has become a great spot where people can enjoy after-dark scenery.

The first version of Kaohsiung Lighthouse was built in 1883, when the Qing government commissioned British engineers to construct a beacon. That tower was square and originally named Cihou Mountain Lighthouse（旗後山燈房）. During the period of Japanese colonial rule, it was reconstructed as an electric lighthouse and completed in 1918. This rebuilding gave the lighthouse its present octagonal brick structure.

Photo by Huang Jing-wun

“Lighthouse work is around the clock,” says Chen. In addition to ensuring the main light is operating perfectly, the keeper of Kaohsiung Lighthouse is responsible for five light poles on the first and second port breakwaters, among them the green light on the north breakwater, the red light on the south breakwater, and the offshore green light.

At the sunrise and sunset times announced by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Central Weather Administration（交通部中央氣象署）, lighthouse keepers manually turn the light on and off, coordinating with the weather and season. After turning off the lights at sunrise, they conduct routine tasks such as light patrol, tower maintenance, and sea patrol to check port lights. Once the light is turned on at sunset, the lighthouse keepers are divided into three shifts to ensure it continues to shine as usual.

Photo courtesy of Maritime and Port Bureau, MOTC

Regardless of sunrise or sunset, lighthouse keepers persist in their duty, ensuring the safety of ships as they enter and leave the harbor. They quietly watch over this century-old landmark, continuing to shine a guiding light over the deep blue sea.

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