Live Your Best Lives
Visit the Dongyin Island Lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views of the island and surrounding coastline. The lighthouse itself is a historical structure and a great spot for photography. Explore the island’s natural beauty, including hiking trails and beaches. It's also a great place for bird watching, especially during migration seasons.
The Dongyin Island Lighthouse, also known as the Dongchong Lighthouse, is located at the easternmost tip of Dongyin Island in Dongyin Township, Lienchiang County (Matsu), Taiwan. Locals call it the Dongyin Villa, a famous landmark on the island. It was designated a Class III historic site in 1988. The Dongyin Island Lighthouse, also known as the Dongchong Lighthouse, is located at the easternmost tip of Dongyin Island in Dongyin Township, Lienchiang County (Matsu), Taiwan. Locals call it the Dongyin Villa, a famous landmark on the island. It was designated a Class III historic site in 1988.
In the early days, the lighthouse was located in a restricted area, and lighthouse keepers had to live in the lighthouse with their families. Chicken coops and pig pens were also set up to provide food for the staff. In those days of scarcity, people outside the lighthouse envied the lighthouse keepers inside and called this place "Dongyin Villa."
Two fog cannons once stood on the cliff face below the lighthouse, but a foghorn has been added to replace them as a navigational aid. Facing the East China Sea, the white tower perched atop the cliff face, its contrasting beauty against the azure waters below, is particularly captivating. Visitors can find the lighthouse by climbing a low, winding white concrete guardrail.
Since the Qing Dynasty, the lighthouse has been managed by the Customs, initially the Fujian Customs. A stone tablet still bears the inscription "Min Customs Tung Chung Stirrup Tower." It is now a military-restricted area, housing the Tien Kung air defense missile batteries and a deep-water port called Zhongzhu Harbor.
Subtropical monsoon climate; influenced by the monsoon circulation and topography, it forms a warm, humid subtropical monsoon climate with abundant heat. In 70% of the province, the accumulated temperature ≥10℃ is between 5000-7600℃. It has abundant rainfall and sufficient sunshine, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
Dongyin Island also has a very beautiful lighthouse and an air-raid shelter hundreds of meters underground that you can visit and explore. In this underground air-raid shelter, there is also a great viewing platform where you can overlook the sea and watch black-headed gulls.
It is recommended to play for 2 hours.
free
Open all day
The Dongyin Island Lighthouse, located on Dongyin Island in Fujian Province, has been guiding ships in the Taiwan Strait for many years. Its historical significance lies in its role in maritime navigation and its unique position near the border of mainland China and Taiwan. The lighthouse is a key symbol of the island's maritime heritage.
The Dongyin Island Lighthouse is located on Dongyin Island in the Fujian Province. To reach the island, you will first need to take a flight or ferry to Fuzhou, then take another ferry to Dongyin Island. From the island's main port, it's a short walk or taxi ride to the lighthouse.
The lighthouse is open to visitors year-round, with the best times to visit being during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild. It is recommended to visit during daylight hours for the best views and to ensure the lighthouse is open for sightseeing.
The entrance fee to the Dongyin Island Lighthouse is typically around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the lighthouse entrance or from local tour operators offering packages that include transportation to the island.
Booking tickets in advance is not generally required, though it can be a good idea during peak travel seasons or national holidays. It’s advisable to book transportation (ferries or flights) to Dongyin Island in advance.
A visit to the Dongyin Island Lighthouse typically takes about 1-2 hours. If you plan to explore the island further, including hiking or visiting other attractions, you may want to allocate a half-day or more.
The lighthouse itself is the main highlight, offering spectacular views of the island and the Taiwan Strait. Don't miss the surrounding coastal trails, which provide excellent opportunities for bird watching and photography.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some tour operators may offer tours in English upon request. Audio guides may also be available for self-guided visits, though they are typically in Chinese.
The best photography spots are around the base of the lighthouse and along the coastal hiking trails. The views of the coastline, the lighthouse, and the surrounding sea are particularly scenic during sunrise or sunset.
Start your visit at the lighthouse for panoramic views, then follow the coastal path to explore the island's natural beauty. If you’re interested, hike to other scenic spots on the island to further explore the landscape.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Dongyin Island Lighthouse. However, the lighthouse is lit at night and can be seen from a distance, making it a picturesque view after dark.
The lighthouse tends to be less crowded on weekdays, particularly during the off-peak months of spring and autumn. Weekends and public holidays can attract more visitors.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available at the lighthouse. There are no major restaurants or shops on the island, so it is advisable to bring water and snacks with you.
The lighthouse is accessible to most visitors, but the terrain around the lighthouse and coastal paths may be challenging for elderly or disabled individuals. Children will enjoy the visit, especially for its educational value and outdoor activities.
Cash is commonly used on Dongyin Island, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also accepted in most places, including ticketing and transportation.
There are small local restaurants and eateries on the island offering basic Chinese meals, particularly seafood dishes. You can also find simple cafes around the area near the ferry terminal.
Vegetarian and halal options may be limited, but some local eateries may accommodate dietary preferences if requested in advance.
There are basic guesthouses and small hotels on Dongyin Island. For more upscale options, you can stay in Fuzhou city and take a day trip to the island.
Nearby attractions include the historical sites in Fuzhou, such as the Fuzhou Hot Springs and the Ancient Street of Three Lanes and Seven Alleys. You can also visit nearby islands in the Taiwan Strait.
There are small souvenir shops selling locally made crafts, including souvenirs related to the lighthouse and maritime culture, such as keychains, postcards, and small lighthouse models.
After visiting the lighthouse, return to Fuzhou via ferry. From there, you can continue your trip by taxi, bus, or train to other destinations in Fujian Province.
