硇洲灯塔

Updated April 6, 2026

硇洲灯塔 is a tourist attraction located in Zhanjiang, China.

Location

You can find 硇洲灯塔 at WJ5G+Q9H, Mazhang District, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China, 524074.

Visiting 硇洲灯塔

Located in Zhanjiang, China, 硇洲灯塔 is a tourist attraction that visitors to the area may find worth exploring.

Planning Your Visit

The tourist attraction is located at WJ5G+Q9H, Mazhang District, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China, 524074. GPS coordinates: 20.909439, 110.625994. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

Location

Places to Stay Near 硇洲灯塔

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides

Tucked away on Naozhou Island, just off the coast of Zhanjiang in southern China, 硇洲灯塔 (Naozhou Lighthouse) is a rare gem—one of only two remaining crystal prism lighthouses on the planet. Built by French colonial engineers back in 1899, this 23-meter stone tower has been quietly guiding ships through Lei Zhou Bay for well over a century.

What really sets it apart isn’t just its historic pedigree (it’s right up there with the famous lighthouses in London and at the Cape of Good Hope), but the craftsmanship itself. The whole thing is assembled from granite blocks, each piece slotted together without a drop of mortar.

You’ll spot the lighthouse perched atop Ma’an Mountain, about 81.6 meters above sea level. It’s still an active beacon—no dusty relic here.

Inside, the original crystal lens system uses 160 water crystal prism pieces to throw out a beam visible for 26 nautical miles. Not to sound dramatic, but you’re standing in a place that’s officially protected as a national cultural site—this spot really matters in China’s maritime story.

Getting here isn’t exactly a hop and a skip. You’ll need to catch a ferry to Naozhou Island, but trust me, the payoff is worth it.

The volcanic coastline is a photographer’s dream, and the local fishing villages offer a glimpse of island life most tourists never see.

Key Takeaways

• Naozhou Lighthouse is one of only two crystal prism lighthouses still shining worldwide.
• The 23-meter granite tower, built in 1899, stands without a lick of mortar.
• It’s perched on a volcanic island—Naozhou—reachable by ferry from Zhanjiang.

About 硇洲灯塔

There it stands: 23 meters tall on Nazhou Island’s Ma’anshan (Saddle Mountain), about 81.6 meters up. It’s one of just two crystal prism lighthouses still working anywhere.

History and Significance

French colonists put 硇洲灯塔 together between 1899 and 1902, after they’d taken over Guangzhou Bay in 1898. They actually tore down an older stone tower from the Yuan Dynasty to make way for this new one.

The lighthouse fired up in 1904 and stayed under French control until 1945, when China took it back after World War II. It’s often listed among the world’s three most famous lighthouses—sharing the honor with London and the Cape of Good Hope.

In 1991, it got named a National Excellent Modern Building, and by 1996, it was a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. By 2002, it was officially one of “Zhanjiang’s Eight Scenic Spots.”

Every stone in this place is volcanic basalt, quarried right from the island. If you look closely, you’ll see tiny holes in the walls—left behind by gas bubbles in the lava, way back when the island was still erupting.

Locals call this stuff “ox liver stone.” It’s got a texture you won’t forget.

What Makes It Special

The lighthouse’s lens uses 160 crystal prism pieces in a clamshell shape, with 139 arc-shaped triangular prisms forming two parabolic surfaces. Each has a convex lens at its center, focusing the light into a beam that reaches 26 nautical miles.

The original rotation mechanism? It’s wild. A 31.75-kilogram weight and a clockwork spring needed winding every 1 hour and 40 minutes.

The whole lens assembly floats on about 3 tons of mercury, so it can spin smoothly—a full 360-degree rotation every 5 seconds. That’s some serious engineering.

In 1984, they swapped the old system for electric motors, and by 2004, it was running unmanned. But here’s a detail you might miss: one corner of the triangular lens is chipped, a scar from World War II when Japanese troops deliberately broke it.

These days, the lighthouse runs with a Spanish MGE-1000 rotating platform and a 1000W tungsten halogen lamp. But the historic crystal prism system? Still there, still working.

What to See and Do

Naozhou Island sits about 40 kilometers from downtown Zhanjiang. It’s a mix of wild volcanic landscapes and faded colonial architecture.

If you’re up for wandering, you’ll find black sand beaches and fishing villages that feel a world away from the city.

Main Attractions and Highlights

Naozhou Lighthouse is the obvious star. At 23 meters tall, built by the French in 1898, it’s one of the last crystal-prism lighthouses still shining.

The structure uses hand-cut crystal imported from France. On a clear day, you can spot its beam from 26 nautical miles out.

The lighthouse compound still has the original keeper’s quarters and equipment rooms. Sometimes you can tour inside, but honestly, it’s hit or miss—ask around when you arrive.

Volcanic formations line the coastline. Dark basalt rocks clash beautifully with the turquoise sea. Mama Beach, with its black volcanic sand, is worth the detour.

Most folks miss this spot, but it’s easily one of the most photogenic places on the island.

The fishing village near the dock is a little time capsule. Fishermen mend nets, squid dries on bamboo racks, and tiny temples pop up along winding lanes.

Sea goddess worship is still a big deal here—don’t be surprised if you stumble onto a local festival.

Best Time to Visit

April through June? That’s the sweet spot. The weather is mellow, low 20s Celsius, and you’ll dodge both winter winds and summer storms.

July to September is typhoon season. Ferries get canceled, and sometimes you’ll get stuck on the island for days.

October and November are also nice—fewer crowds, decent weather. Weekdays are quieter at the lighthouse.

Ferry schedules shrink in winter (December-February), so double-check times. The last ferry usually leaves around 5 PM, which gives you about 6-7 hours to roam.

Visitor Information

Getting to 硇洲灯塔 takes a little effort. It’s not a quick side trip, but that’s half the fun.

You’ll want to plan for daylight hours and expect things to be rustic—no five-star resorts here.

Location and How to Get There

The lighthouse stands on Ma’anshan (Saddle Mountain), 81.6 meters up on 硇洲岛 (Naozhou Island). There’s no bridge—you’ll need a ferry from Zhanjiang’s mainland.

First, get yourself to Dongnan Wharf, about 40 kilometers from Zhanjiang city center. Bus or taxi, take your pick.

Ferries run throughout the day and the crossing takes about 30 minutes. Once you’re on Naozhou, you can grab a local minibus or hop on a motorcycle taxi to reach the lighthouse area in Menggang Village.

The roads are bumpy, so be ready for a bit of a ride.

Lots of visitors rent electric scooters on the island—it’s the best way to explore at your own pace. The lighthouse sits on the southeastern coast, perched on a hill.

You’ll spot it long before you get there.

Tips for Visitors

Check locally for the latest opening hours before you set off—these can shift with the seasons.

The area around 硇洲灯塔 isn’t exactly polished for mass tourism. Bring cash, because card payments? Yeah, they’re hit or miss out here.

Slip on some comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be picking your way along uneven paths and scrambling over volcanic rocks by the coast.

It can get pretty windy, especially up near the lighthouse. Even if the sun’s out, throwing a light jacket in your bag is a smart move.

Crowds aren’t usually a problem, at least compared to the bustle back in Zhanjiang city. If you swing by on a weekend, expect a few more day-trippers, but nothing crazy.

Honestly, sunrise is magic here. Early mornings give you that soft light for photos, and it’s way cooler temperature-wise.

One last thing—if you bump into any local fishermen, don’t be shy. They’re usually up for a chat and might let you in on some old lighthouse stories you won’t find in any guidebook.