Lighthouses of China: Western Guangdong

The Chinese province of Guangdong (formerly spelled Kwangtung) is located on the southern coast of the country, facing the South China Sea. The coastline is rugged and irregular, with many islands and reefs threatening unwary navigators. This page lists lighthouses of the western portion of the province, between Hong Kong and the border of Guangxi province.

The major ports in this part of the province are Guangzhou (formerly called Canton) and Zhanjiang. Zhanjiang was a French colony called Kwangchowan (Kouang-Tchéou-Wan) from 1898 until it was captured by Japanese troops in 1943. Kwangchowan was returned to Chinese control in 1946.

Lighthouses in China are maintained by the PRC Maritime Safety Administration. The administration is organized in four regional administrations, with district offices in the major ports. The lights on this page are maintained by the Guangzhou and Zhanjiang MSA offices, which are included in the Guangzhou Region. The Chinese word for a lighthouse is dēngtǎ (灯塔). Jiao or chiao is a cape, dao, tao, yu, or hsu is an island, wan is a bay, and kang or gang is a harbor. Due to competing systems for transliterating Chinese into Latin characters, there are always several possible spellings for the names of places in China.

ARLHS numbers are from the ARLHS World List of Lights. CN numbers are the serial numbers used by the Shanghai regional office of MSA. Admiralty numbers are from volume F of the Admiralty List of Lights & Fog Signals. U.S. NGA List numbers are from Publication 112.

General Sources
Light Query Results
This is part of a long light list for all of China posted by the Shanghai MSA office. As of September 2012, Western Guangdong lights were found beginning on page 152 of the list.
Lighthouse Photos
Photos of eight major lighthouses, posted by the Guangdong regional MSA office.
Leuchttürme Chinas auf historischen Postkarten
Historic postcard images posted by Klaus Huelse.
China AMS Topographic Maps
A fine collection of U.S. Army Map Service maps of China, in English, posted by the University of Texas Library.

Guishan Light
Guishan Light, Zhuhai
PRC Maritime Safety Administration photo

Pearl River Estuary Lighthouses

Eastern Zhuhai City (Lower Pearl River Delta) Lighthouses
Note: The Pearl River (Zhujiang), China's third longest river, empties into the South China Sea through a complex estuary (not a true delta) between Hong Kong and Macau. The estuary leads to the port of Guangzhou (formerly called Canton), the capital of Guangdong Province.
Wenwei Zhou (Gap Rock, Cape Rock, Mosquito Island)
1892 (partially rebuilt in 1986). Active; focal plane 43 m (141 ft); one long white flash every 6 s. 17 m (56 ft) round stone tower with a domed top and a lantern and gallery above the dome. The lighthouse is unpainted gray stone; dome and lantern painted white. An MSA photo is at right, Lighthouse Explorer has a historic photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a fuzzy satellite view. Some early history (pdf document) is available. This lighthouse was built by British engineers for China at the urgent request of Hong Kong authorities to serve as a landfall light for the British colony. The lighthouse was restored in 1986, but it still appears to be in a dilapidated condition. Located on a small island in the South China Sea beyond the outer edge of the Pearl estuary, about 80 km (50 mi) south southwest of Hong Kong. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. ARLHS PRC-082; CN-4285.1; Admiralty F3515; NGA 19590.
Zhuzhou (Zhu Zhou, Chu Chou, Bamboo Island ) (2)
Date unknown (2006?). Active; focal plane 185 m (607 ft); white flash every 4 s. 9 m (30 ft) octagonal cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery. Lighthouse covered with white tile, lantern painted red. A blog has several photos (halfway down the page), and Google has a satellite view. The original lighthouse, a round stone tower, was 5 m (17 ft) tall. Located atop a high island in the entrance to the Zhujiang (Pearl River) estuary. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. CN-4285; Admiralty F3520; NGA 19594.
Xiaoputai (Little Po Toi Island)
1953. Active; focal plane 60 m (197 ft); white flash every 9 s. Approx. 10 m (33 ft) square concrete building with a lantern on the roof. Building painted white. No photo available, but Google has a fuzzy satellite view. Located on a small island in the entrance to the estuary about 16 km (10 mi) south southeast of Macau. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. CN-4358; Admiralty F3521.1.
Guishan (Guishan Dao, Laurel Mountain) (2)
1998 (station established 1961). Active; focal plane 57 m (187 ft); white flash every 5 s. 15 m (49 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, centered on a round 1-story concrete equipment room. Lighthouse covered with white ceramic tiles. An MSA photo is at the top of this page, a distant view is available (third photo on the page), the lighthouse appears on a postage stamp, and Google has a satellite view. Guishan is an island about 8 km (5 mi) southwest of Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It is the largest of the Wanshan Islands (Wanshan Qundao), which are scattered across the estuary between Hong Kong and Macau. Located on heights on the west side of the island. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. CN-4283; Admiralty F3521.2; NGA 19618.
Wenwei Zhou Light
Wenwei Zhou (Gap Rock) Light, South China Sea
PRC MSA Guangdong Region photo
Shilongjiao (Shilong Jiao)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 37 m (121 ft); one long (1.5 s) white flash every 10 s. 10 m (33 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower. Entire lighthouse is white. No photo available, but Google has a satellite view. Located on the northwestern point of Guishan. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. CN-4282; Admiralty F3521.3; NGA 19622.
Rongshu Tou (Rongshutou, Yung Shu Tau)
1989. Active; focal plane 55 m (180 ft); white flash every 8 s. 7.5 m (25 ft) rectangular cylindrical concrete tower attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white. No photo available, but Google has a satellite view. Located on a small island just off the northern tip of Guishan. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. CN-4281.1; Admiralty F3521.35; NGA 19626.

Guangzhou City (Upper Pearl River Delta) Lighthouses
Lightship Mayoushi (Mayou Shi)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane unknown; white flash every 6 s. Round cylindrical light tower with lantern and gallery, mounted on a vessel of unknown size. Light tower painted red. No photo available. Located in the estuary about 5 km (3 mi) northwest of Lantau Island. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. Admiralty F3521.4; NGA 19628.
Tonggujiao (Tonggu Jiao, Tangjiawan, Drum Head)
1953. Active; focal plane 55 m (180 ft); two white flashes every 6 s. 11 m (36 ft) round cylindrical stone tower with double gallery. Entire lighthouse is white. No photo available, but Google has a satellite view. Located on a promontory in Zhuhai, on the west bank of the estuary about 25 km (15 mi) north of Macau. Site status unknown. CN-4381; Admiralty F3452; NGA 19779.
Niulijiao (Kiow Island)
1989. Active; focal plane 14 m (46 ft); two white flashes every 5 s. Approx. 11 m (36 ft) triangular cylindrical concrete tower centered on a hexagonal 1-story concrete equipment room. Lighthouse painted white. No photo available, but Google has a satellite view. Located at the northeastern point of an island just off the west bank of the estuary about 8 km (5 mi) northeast of Tongguijiao. Site status unknown. CN-4365.11; Admiralty F3526.5.
Shanbanzhou (Shanban Zhou, Shan-pan Chou, Sampanchow, Sampan Island)
1915. Active; focal plane 31 m (102 ft); white flash every 5 s. Approx. 18 m (59 ft) square cylindrical concrete tower attached to the seaward side of a 2-story keeper's house. Entire lighthouse painted white. An MSA photo is at right, a more distant view is available, and Google has a satellite view. This historic lighthouse is located on a small island in the upper (northern) end of the estuary, guiding vessels to the entrance of the Zhujiang (Pearl River) leading to Guangzhou. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. CN-4378; Admiralty F3466; NGA 19812.
Shanbanzhou Light
Shanbanzhou Light, Zhujiang Estuary, Guangzhou
PRC Maritime Safety Administration photo
Jinsuopai (Chain Rock) (1)
1904 (rebuilt or restored in 1986). Inactive since 1997. 28 m (92 ft) concrete post light centered on a 3- or 4-story concrete keeper's house. Entire lighthouse is white. Google's satellite view shows how this historic lighthouse is dwarfed now by one of the main pylons of the Humen Pearl River Bridge, completed in 1997. The light can also been seen in the background of a photo taken from the north bank of the river. It is unlikely that the lighthouse is active, since it has no more navigational value. Located on a reef in the Humen channel of the Zhujiang (formerly called Boca Tigris), the main channel for ships bound to Guangdong. Site status unknown. ARLHS PRC-036.
Jinsuopai (2)
1997(?). Active; focal plane unknown; two white flashes every 6 s (?). Square pyramidal skeletal tower, mounted on a square concrete platform supported by four piles. A photo is available. The light characteristic shown is that of the original lighthouse; the current data is missing from the Shanghai MSA light list. Located beside the channel under Humen Pearl River Bridge, near the historic lighthouse. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. CN-4416.

South Coast Lighthouses

Jiangmen Prefecture Lighthouse
Weijiadao (Weijia Dao) (2)
2007 (station established 1954). Active; focal plane 172 m (564 ft); white flash every 5 s. 11 m (36 ft) octagonal cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery. Lighthouse covered with white tile, lantern painted red. Additional photos are available (5th through 8th photos on the page), but Google has a satellite view. Weijia is a small, uninhabited island off the southern tip of the much larger island of Shangchuan. Located at the highest point of the island. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. CN-4587; Admiralty F3406; NGA 19984.
Huangmaotou (Huangmao Tou) (2)
1997 (station established 1957). Active; focal plane 44 m (144 ft); three white flashes every 9 s. 10.5 m (34 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with gallery. Lighthouse covered with white ceramic tiles. No photo available, but Google has a satellite view. Located on a promontory on the north side of the island of Shangchuan, about 25 km (15 mi) south of Guanghai. Site status unknown. CN-4582; Admiralty F3406.1.
Xiashuanjiao
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 24 m (79 ft); whte flash every 3 s. 12 m (39 ft) square white concrete tower. No photo available, but Google has a very distant satellite view. Located on a promontory on the northwest side of the island of Xiashuandao, located southwest of Shangchuan. Site status unknown. CN-4596.

Yangjiang Prefecture Lighthouses
Mangzhou (Mang Zhou) (2)
1995 (station established 1957). Active; focal plane 129 m (423 ft); white flash every 12 s. 18 m (56 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern, gallery, 4 flared ribs, and a 2-story control room structure. Lighthouse covered with gray ceramic tiles; lantern roof is red. An MSA photo is at right, and Google has a distant satellite view. Located on the island of Mangzhou in the entrance to Zenhai Bay, about 50 km (30 mi) southeast of Yangjiang. Site status unknown. CN-4597; Admiralty F3405.7.
Mnagzhou Light
Mangzhou Light
PRC Maritime Safety Administration photo
Nanpeng Dao (Nanpengdao)
1997. Active; focal plane 192 m (630 ft); white flash every 1.5 s. 11.5 m (38 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery. A square observation room below the gallery is supported by two columns. Lighthouse covered with white ceramic tiles; lantern roof is red. A panoramic view by Guan Tin Hei and a closeup photo (halfway down the page) are available, and Google has a distant satellite view. Note: there is another Nanpengdao Light in Eastern Guangdong. Located on an island in the South China Sea about 55 km (35 mi) offshore south of Yangjiang. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. ARLHS PRC-046; CN-4645.3; Admiralty F3405.6; NGA 19986.
Huangchen Shan (Huangchengdao, Huang-Ching, Round Island) (3)
2010 (station established 1957). Active; focal plane 18 m (59 ft); white flash every 5 s. 10 m (33 ft) round white concrete tower. Lighthouse painted white. No photo available, but Google has a fuzzy satellite view. Located on an islet about 7 km (4 mi) west of Nanpeng Dao. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. CN-4646; Admiralty F3405.5; NGA 19988.
Hailingshan (Bailingshan) (2)
1997 (station established 1957). Active (?); focal plane 24 m (79 ft); white flash every 3 s. 12 m (39 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with gallery. Lighthouse covered with white ceramic tiles. No photo available. There is some uncertainty about this light, because NGA lists it with a different descripton and a focal plane height of 44 m (144 ft), while Google's satellite view does not show the tower. Located on a promontory on the southwestern tip of the island of Hailing, about 25 km (15 mi) south southwest of Yangjiang. Site status unknown. Admiralty F3405; NGA 19992.

Maoming Prefecture Lighthouse
Dafangji
1996 (station established 1956). Active; focal plane 138 m (453 ft); white flash every 6 s. 13 m (43 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery. Lighthouse covered with red ceramic tiles. Guangzhou MSA has a good photo, a similar photo is available, and Google has a distant satellite view of the area. Located at the highest point of the island of Dafangji, about 18 km (11 mi) southwest of Diancheng and 80 km (50 mi) northeast of Zhanjiang. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. ARLHS PRC-017; CN-4657; Admiralty F3404; NGA 19996.
Nanpengdao Light
Nanpengdao Light, South China Sea, Yangjiang
PRC MSA Guangdong Region photo
Bohe Gang
2010. Active; focal plane 19 m (62 ft); quick-flashing white light. 16 m (52 ft) octagonal cylindrical concrete tower, covered with tiles colored in red and white horizontal bands. A view from the sea is available, but the tower is too new to appear in Google's fuzzy satellite view of the area. Located on the west side of the entrance to Bohe harbor at Bohezhen. Site status unknown. CN-4669.53; Admiralty F3404.4.

Zhanjiang Prefecture Lighthouses

Wuchuan City Lighthouse
* Jizhao
2010. Active; focal plane 23 m (75 ft); quick-flashing white light. 20 m (66 ft) round concrete tower. Entire lighthouse is white. No photo available, but Google has a satellite view. Located just off the beach on a point of land about 15 km (9 mi) southeast of central Wuchuan. Site appears open, tower closed. Admiralty J3403.15.

Donghaidao (Nansan Island) Lighthouses
Note: Nansan is a large island east of Zhanjiang, forming the north side of Zhanjiang Bay.
Nansan Dao East Range Front (3)
1990 (station established 1918). Active; focal plane 24 m (79 ft); three white flashes every 4 s. 19 m (62 ft) hexagonal concrete tower with a hexagonal observation level, rising from a 1-story harbor control building. Lighthouse painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. No photo available, but Google has a satellite view. This is the main harbor entrance range for Zhanjiang. Located at the southeastern tip of Nansan Island, marking the north side of the entrance to Zhanjiang harbor. Site status unknown. CN-4721; Admiralty F3374; NGA 20024.
Nansan Dao East Range Rear (3)
1990 (station established 1916). Active; focal plane 46 m (151 ft); continuous white light. 16 m (52 ft) hexagonal concrete tower with gallery, painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. No photo available; Google has a very fuzzy satellite view. Located 1100 m (2/3 mi) west northwest of the front light. Site status unknown. CN-4722; Admiralty F3374.1; NGA 20028.
Nansan Dao West Range Rear (2)
Date unknown (station established 1956). Active; focal plane 30 m (98 ft); continuous light, white, red or green depending on direction. 32 m (105 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with a conical base and a large observation and control structure near the top. Lighthouse painted white with a red vertical stripe on the range line. No photo available, but Google has a fuzzy satellite view. This range guides ships departing Zhanjiang harbor. Located near the southern tip of Nansan Island, 800 m (1/2 mi) east northeast of the front light. Site status unknown. CN-4724; Admiralty F3378.1; NGA 20036.
Nansan Dao West Range Front (2)
1990 (station established 1956). Active; focal plane 30 m (98 ft); two white flashes every 4 s. 23 m (75 ft) hexagonal concrete tower with gallery, painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. No photo available, but Google has a distant satellite view. Located near the southern tip of Nansan Island. Site status unknown. CN-4723; Admiralty F3378; NGA 20032.

Zhanjiang City Lighthouses
Note: The city of Zhanjiang is built along the estuary of the Maxie River, which opens out below the city to form a broad bay called Zhanjiang Haiwan or Zhanjiang Bay (formerly called Kwangchowan). In late 2006 the spectacular Zhanjiang Haiwan Bridge opened across the estuary just above the city center.
* Moyanlou Range Front (2)
1988 (station established 1970). Active; focal plane 15 m (49 ft); continuous red light. 12 m (39 ft) concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. No photo available, but Google has a satellite view. The range guides vessels up the estuary toward the city of Zhanjiang. The lighthouses appear to be in park areas, accessible by paved walkways. Located on the east side of the harbor about 1.5 km (2.5 mi) south of the Zhanjiang Haiwan Bridge. Site open, tower closed. CN-4763; Admiralty F3382.3; NGA 20082.
* Moyanlou Range Rear (2)
1990 (station established 1970). Active; focal plane 18 m (56 ft); continuous red light. 15 m (49 ft) square cylindrical white concrete tower with 4 ribs, lantern and gallery, painted with a black vertical stripe on the range line. A photo is available, and Google has a satellite view. Located 460 m (0.29 mi) north northeast of the front light. Site open, tower closed. CN-4764; Admiralty F3382.31; NGA 20082.1.
* Diaoshun (Tiaoshun) Dao Range Front (3)
2010 (station established 1970). Active; focal plane 16 m (52 ft); red light, 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 13 m (43 ft) square concrete tower with gallery, painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. No photo available, but Google has a satellite view. The range guides vessels up the estuary beyond the city of Zhanjiang. Located on a point of land at a bend in the estuary about 3 km (2 mi) northwest of the Zhanjiang Haiwan Bridge. The area appears to be accessible and may be a public park. Site open, tower closed. CN-4769; Admiralty F3382.421; NGA 20084.
* Diaoshun (Tiaoshun) Dao Range Rear (3)
2010 (station established 1970). Active; focal plane 25 m (82 ft); red light, 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the front light. 23 m (75 ft) square concrete tower with gallery, painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. No photo available. The second (1991) lighthouse, 16 m (52 ft) tall, was very similar to the Xiahai Range Rear Light pictured below. Located about 275 m (300 yd) northwest of the front light. Site open, tower closed. CN-4770; Admiralty F3382.422; NGA 20084.1.
* Xiahai Range Front (2?)
Date unknown. Active (?); focal plane 12 m (39 ft); continuous green light. 8 m (26 ft) square concrete tower with gallery, painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. A 2007 photo shows this light in the lower left corner, standing next to a much taller round cylindrical tower; we have no information on the taller tower. Google has a satellite view. Located on the riverfront about 400 m (1/4 mi) northwest of the Zhanjiang Haiwan Bridge. Site status unknown. CN-4767; Admiralty F3382.4; NGA 20083.
* Xiahai Range Rear (2)
1989 (station established 1970). Active; focal plane 23 m (75 ft); continuous green light. 16.5 m (54 ft) round strongly conical concrete tower with double gallery, painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. MSA's photo is at right, a 2010 photo shows the tower decorated for the Chinese New Year, and Google has a satellite view. This range guides vessels southbound (downstream) toward Zhanjiang. Located in Cunjin Bridge Park on the west side of the estuary just north of the Zhanjiang Haiwan Bridge. Site open, tower closed. CN-4768; Admiralty F3382.41; NGA 20083.1.
Xiahai Light
Xiahai Range Rear Light, Zhanjiang
PRC MSA Guangdong Region photo
Shitoujiao Range Front (3)
2010 (station established 1956). Active; focal plane 24 m (79 ft); red light, 3 s on, 3 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 29 m (95 ft) hexagonal concrete tower, painted white with a blue vertical stripe on the range line and a large blue and white triangular daymark, point up. A photo is at right, but tower is too new to appear in Google's satellite view. Originally located on a point of land at the south end of the commercial harbor area, although fill has now extended the land in this area. Site status unknown. CN-4742; Admiralty F3379; NGA 20056.
Shitoujiao Range Rear (3)
2010 (station established 1956). Active; focal plane 35 m (115 ft); red light, 3 s on, 3 s off, synchronized with the front light. 42 m (138 ft) hexagonal concrete tower, painted white with a blue vertical stripe on the range line and a large blue and white triangular daymark, point down. A photo is at right. Located 540 m (1/3 mi) northwest of the front light. Site status unknown. CN-4743; Admiralty F3379.1; NGA 20060.

Donghai Island Lightouses
Note: Donghai is a large island southeast of Zhanjiang; it forms the south side of Zhanjiang Bay and the north side of Leizhou Bay.
Dongtoushan Dao Range Front (2)
1987 (station established 1915). Active; focal plane 16 m (52 ft); green light, 2 s on, 2 s off. 9 m (30 ft) triangular concrete tower with gallery, painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. Lulong Chao has a distant view, and Google has a satellite view. This range guides vessels southbound as they leave the inner harbor of Zhanjiang. Dongtoushan is a small island off the north shore of Donghai Island. Located on the northern point of the island. Site status unknown. CN-4738; Admiralty F3381; NGA 20048.
Dongtoushan Dao Range Rear (2)
1987 (station established 1915). Active; focal plane 24 m (79 ft); green flash every 1.5 s. 11.5 m (38 ft) triangular concrete tower with gallery, painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. MSA's photo is below right, and Google has a satellite view. Located on a low hill 250 m (275 yd) south of the front light. Site status unknown. CN-4739; Admiralty F3381.1; NGA 20052.
Shitoujiao Light
Shitoujiao Range Lights, Zhanjiang
PRC MSA Guangdong Region photo
Lightship Donghai Dao
Date unknown (2007?). Active; focal plane 10 m (33 ft); two white flashes every 10 s. Lightship, hull painted red. No photo available, and the ship is not seen in Google's satellite view. There is an unclear report of a ship deployed at this location in 2007. Located about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) east of the northeastern point of Donghai. Accessible only by boat. Site open, vessel closed. Admiralty F3375; NGA 20029.
Donghai Dao Range Front (2)
1990 (station established 1956). Active; focal plane 32 m (105 ft); continuous white light. 9 m (30 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with gallery and three widespread braces at the base. Lighthouse painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. No photo available, but Google has a satellite view. This range guides vessels leaving Zhanjiang harbor. Located on a steep bluff at the south end of the harbor, on the north shore of Donghai Island. Site status unknown. CN-4731; Admiralty F3380; NGA 20040.
Donghai Dao Range Rear (2)
1990 (station established 1956). Active; focal plane 46 m (151 ft) continuous white light. 16 m (52 ft) hexagonal concrete tower with gallery, painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. A distant photo is available, and Google has a satellite view. Located 480 m (0.3 mi) southeast of the front light. Site status unknown. CN-4732; Admiralty F3380.1; NGA 20044.
Longteng Hangdao (Bentangjiao) Range Front
2007. Active; focal plane 42 m (138 ft); white light, 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 44 m (144 ft) round white concrete tower with a red vertical stripe on the range line. No photo available, but Google has a distant satellite view. This is a main approach range for Zhanjiang. Located just off the beach at Cape Bengtang, the south side of the entrance to the Maxie estuary. Site status unknown. Admiralty F3372.1.
Longteng Hangdao (Bentangjiao) Range Rear
2007. Active; focal plane 65 m (213 ft); white light, 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the front light. 59 m (194 ft) round white concrete tower with a large round observation structure below the light; the tower also has a red vertical stripe on the range line. Lulong Chao has a distant photo, but the tower is too new to appear in Google's satellite view. Located on a low hill 1.48 km (0.92 mi) west of the front light. Site status unknown. Admiralty F3372.11.
Longshui Ling (Longshuiling) Range Rear (2)
1989 (station established 1956). Active; focal plane 63 m (207 ft); two white flashes every 4 s. 13.5 m (44 ft) hexagonal concrete tower with gallery, painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. No photo available, but Google has a good satellite view. This is an approach range for Zhanjiang. Located on a hilltop on the east coast of the island of Donghai, about 25 km (15 mi) southeast of Zhanjiang. Site status unknown. CN-4718; Admiralty F3368.1; NGA 20020.
* Longshui Ling (Longshuiling) Range Front (2)
1989 (station established 1956). Active; focal plane 24 m (79 ft); continuous white light. 17 m (56 ft) hexagonal concrete tower with gallery, painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. Lulong Chao has a closeup photo, but the tower is inconspicuous in Google's fuzzy satellite view. Located near the coast, 1088 m (2/3 mi) southeast of the rear light. Site open, tower closed. CN-4717; Admiralty F3368; NGA 20016.
Dongtoushan Dao Range Rear Light
Dongtoushan Dao Range Rear Light,
Zhanjiang; PRC MSA photo

Naozhou Island Lighthouses
Note: Naozhou is an island about 8 km (5 mi) in diameter on the north side of the entrance to Leizhou Bay.
Lightship Zhanjiang Gang
Date unknown (2007?). Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); white flash every 6 s. Lightship, hull painted red. No photo available, and the ship is not seen in Google's satellite view. Located about 3.5 km (2.25 mi) east of the northeastern point of Naozhou. Accessible only by boat. Site open, vessel closed. Admiralty F3361.
Naozhou Doulong South Range Front (3)
1989 (station established 1916). Active; focal plane 18 m (56 ft); white light, 2 s on, 2 s off. 13 m (43 ft) hexagonal concrete tower with gallery, painted white. No photo available, but Google has a distant satellite view. This range is called the south range because it is aligned from north to south. The original light was the front light for a range aligned with the Naozhou lighthouse. Located near the northeastern point of the island of Naozhou. Site status unknown. CN-4709.1; Admiralty F3360.4; NGA 20010.
Naozhou Doulong West Range Front (2)
1989 (station established 1956). Active; focal plane 31 m (102 ft); continuous white light. 11 m (36 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower rising from a square concrete base. Lighthouse painted white. No photo available, but Google has an indistinct satellite view. NGA calls this range the Doulong North Range; it's at the north end of Naozhou but is aligned to the west. Located near the northeastern point of the island of Naozhou. Site status unknown. ARLHS PRC-049; CN-4709; Admiralty F3360; NGA 20004.
Naozhou Doulong West Range Rear (2)
1989 (station established 1956). Active; focal plane 44 m (144 ft); white light, 3 s on, 3 s off. 28 m (92 ft) round strongly conical concrete tower with double gallery. Lighthouse painted white with a black vertical stripe on the range line. No photo available, but Google has a distant satellite view. Located 200 m (220 yd) due west of the front light. Site status unknown. ARLHS PRC-048; CN-4708; Admiralty F3360.1; NGA 20008.
Naozhou Doulong South Range Rear (2)
1989 (station established 1956). Active; focal plane 42 m (138 ft); quick white flash every 1 s. 16 m (52 ft) hexagonal concrete tower with gallery, painted white with a black vertical bar on the range line. No photo available, but Google has an indistinct satellite view. Located 1.75 km (1.1 mi) south of the front light. CN-4710; Admiralty F3360.41; NGA 20012.
*** Naozhou (Nao Chou, Nao-Tchéou) (2)
1904 (station establishment date unknown). Active; focal plane 103 m (338 ft); white flash every 5 s. 19 m (62 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a square 1-story stone base. The tower is unpainted stone; lantern painted white. This is a staffed station. A City of Tianya photo is at right, Guangzhou MSA has a great photo, another closeup photo is available, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has an indistinct satellite view. This historic lighthouse was built as the landfall light for the French colony of Kwangchowan; according to MSA it replaced an older stone tower. Today it is a well-known tourist attraction of the Zhanjiang area. Located on heights on the southeast side of the island. Site open, tower status unknown. CN-4700; Admiralty F3359; NGA 20000.
Naozhou Light
Naozhou Light, Tianya
City of Tianya photo

Leizhou Peninsula Lighthouses
Note: The Leizhou Peninsula projects southward from the Zhanjiang area, separating the South China Sea on the east from the Gulf of Tonkin on the west. The 30 km (19 mi) wide Qiongzhou Strait separates the end of the peninsula from the island province of Hainan. The peninsula is the southernmost point of mainland China.
Lightship Beishuidao
1992. Active; focal plane unknown; two white flashes every 7 s. Automated lightfloat; light tower with lantern and gallery amidships. Vessel painted red with white trim. Located off the eastern entrance to Qiongzhou Strait about 50 km (30 mi) northeast of Luodou Sha. Accessible only by boat. Site and vessel closed.
Gaopai (Da Pai) (2)
1996 (station established 1961). Active; focal plane 9.5 m (31 ft); white flash every 6 s. 7.5 m (25 ft) round concrete tower, mounted on a square foundation. Lighthouse painted white. No photo available; Google has a very distant satellite view of the location. Located on a rock off a point of land about 6 km (3.5 mi) north of Shangoutou. Site status unknown. CN-4812; Admiralty F3357.9.
Shangouhou (Peterson Point) (2)
1995 (station established 1962). Active; focal plane 25 m (82 ft); two white flashes every 6 s. 12 m (39 ft) octagonal cylindrical concrete tower with gallery. Lighthouse covered with white ceramic tiles, except the first story is covered with red tiles. Guangzhou MSA has an excellent photo, and Google has a very fuzzy satellite view. Located on a promontory on the north side of the eastern entrance to Qiongzhou Strait about 8 km (5 mi) east of Qianshan. Site status unknown. CN-4818; Admiralty F3358; NGA 20112.
* Luodou Sha
1997. Active; focal plane 43 m (141 ft); white flash every 4 s. 42 m (138 ft) round concrete tower with lantern and a large, mushroom-shaped observation room. The lighthouse is white with a red vertical stripe; lantern roof painted red. An MSA photo is at right, Lulong Chao has a distant view, and Google has a distant satellite view. Luodou Sha (Sheldrake Island) is a narrow island in Qiongzhou Strait about 8 km (5 mi) southeast of Shangoutou. Located near the northeastern point of the island. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower presumably open. Admiralty F3358.5; NGA 20110.
* Hongkan (2)
1992 (station established 1955). Active; focal plane 47 m (154 ft); white flash every 8 s. 17 m (56 ft) round concrete tower with three ribs and double gallery, painted white. No photo available, but Google has a distant satellite view. Located on a promontory about 20 km (13 mi) east of Hai'an. Site probably open, tower closed. CN-4821; Admiralty F3336; NGA 20108.
* Peiwaijiao (2)
1992 (station established 1954). Active; focal plane 26 m (85 ft); white light, 2 s on, 2 s off. 11 m (36 ft) hexagonal concrete tower with gallery, painted white. There must be a spectacular view from this lighthouse. No photo available, but Google has a distant satellite view. Located at the tip of a very sharp promontory pointing into the Qiongzhou Strait about 8 km (5 mi) southeast of Hai'an. Site very probably open, tower closed. CN-4822; Admiralty F3334; NGA 20116.
Luodou Sha Light
Luodou Sha Light, Xuwen County
PRC MSA Guangdong Region photo
Jiaowei Wan (Toudun)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 39 m (128 ft); red flash every 5 s. 35 m (115 ft) round concrete tower, painted white with a black horizontal band. No photo available, and Google has only a very fuzzy satellite view of the location. Located at the rail ferry terminal south of the Peiwaijiao lighthouse. Site status unknown. Admiralty F3332; NGA 20106.
Santang
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 23 m (75 ft); two white flashes every 6 s. 20 m (66 ft) round concrete tower, painted white. No photo available, and Google has only a fuzzy satellite view of the station. Located on a promontory about 10 km (6 mi) south of Xuwen. Site status unknown. CN-4830.6; Admiralty F3333.
** Jiaowei Jiao (Denglou Jiao, Cape Kami, Lighthouse Point) (3)
1980. Inactive since 1995. 16 m (52 ft) round concrete tower with gallery; lantern removed. Lighthouse painted white. Located near the modern lighthouse.
** Jiaowei Jiao (Denglou Jiao, Cape Kami, Lighthouse Point) (4)
1995 (station established 1893). Active; focal plane 34 m (111 ft); white flash every 6 s. 32 m (105 ft) hexagonal cylindrical tower with lantern, a large watch room structure, and a lower observation gallery. Lighthouse covered with ceramic tiles, colored beige with narrow blue horizontal bands. An MSA photo is at right, Lulong Chao has a photo, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse stands on the southernmost point of mainland China, at the end of a long promontory about 35 km (22 mi) southwest of Xuwen. The first lighthouse, a cast iron tower, was destroyed in World War II. A second iron lighthouse was built in 1953, followed by a stone tower in 1979. Site open; the tower may be open at least to the observation level. CN-4835; Admiralty F3328; NGA 20104.
Shuiweijiao (Shuiwei Jiao)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 10 m (33 ft); white flash every 4 s. 10 m (33 ft) round concrete tower, painted white. No photo available. Located in the surf off Shuiweijiao, marking the entrance to Liusha Bay, about 25 km (15 mi) north of Jiaowei Jiao on the west side of the peninsula. Site status unknown. CN-4836; Admiralty F3327.3.
Liusha Range Front
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 9 m; two white flashes every 4 s. 9 m (30 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower, painted white. No photo available. Located on the south side of Liusha Bay about 8 km (5 mi) east of Shuiwei. Site status unknown. CN-4841; Admiralty F3327.6.
Liusha Range Rear (2)
1992 (station established 1967). Active; focal plane 14 m (46 ft); white flash every 3 s. 12 m (39 ft) round concrete tower with gallery, covered with white ceramic tiles. No photo available. Located on the south side of Liusha Bay about 8 km (5 mi) east of Shuiwei. Site status unknown. CN-4842; Admiralty F3327.61.
Jiaoweijiao Light
Jiaoweijiao (Cape Kami) Light, Xuwen
PRC MSA Guangdong Region photo

Information available on lost lighthouses:

Notable faux lighthouses:

Adjoining pages: North: Eastern Guangdong | East: Hong Kong | South: Hainan | West: Guangxi

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Posted December 17, 2008. Last checked and revised August 29, 2012. Lighthouses: 58; lightships: 4. Site copyright 2012 Russ Rowlett and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.