Eluanbi Lighthouse

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Eluanbi Lighthouse

lighthouse

Eluanbi Lighthouse stands on Cape Eluanbi at the southernmost point of Taiwan's main island and marks the divide between the Taiwan Strait and the Philippine Sea. Travelers come for the coastal views, the fortified 19th-century structure and its place inside a seaside park.

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Eluanbi Lighthouse essentials

Address: Cape Eluanbi, Eluan Village, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan

Eluanbi Lighthouse sits on a rocky promontory that separates South Bay from Banana Bay and commands sweeping views of the open sea; it is set within coastal Eluanbi Park near Kenting National Park in Southern Taiwan. The lighthouse has long been an important aid to navigation because of nearby reefs and strong currents.

Built in the late Qing period with fortified features to protect staff from local conflict, the site was repeatedly repaired and upgraded under Japanese and later Republic of China administration; a powerful Fresnel lens was installed in the 20th century. The structure retains traces of its defensive past alongside the functioning lantern. Visitors encounter short trails, picnic spots and coastal viewpoints in the surrounding park; the lighthouse itself is open to the public year-round, though check local notices for access within the tower.

  • Lantern room and lens: The lighthouse’s tower houses a strong Fresnel lens and the lantern room area that historically made it one of Taiwan’s most powerful lights.
  • Fortifications and gunports: Remnants of the original defensive works, including gunports and the surrounding fosse, reveal its unusual role as an armed lighthouse in the 19th century.
  • Cape panoramas: The headland offers wide sea views where the Taiwan Strait meets the Philippine Sea, popular at sunrise and for coastal photography.
  • Eluanbi Park trails: Short paths around the site lead to rocky shorelines, shaded picnic areas and interpretive signs about local history and nature.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Eluanbi Lighthouse#

Eluanbi has a tropical monsoon climate with warm temperatures year-round and a pronounced wet season; drier, cooler months are best for fair-weather visits.

Winter (best)
November - February · 20°C - 27°C (68°F - 81°F)
Drier and breezier conditions make coastal walks and clear views most pleasant during these months.
Spring
March - April · 21°C - 27°C (70°F - 81°F)
Temperatures rise and rainfall is moderate, offering warm days suitable for exploring before the heavy monsoon rains begin.
Monsoon and typhoon season (avoid)
May - October · 25°C - 31°C (77°F - 88°F)
This period brings frequent heavy rain and potential typhoons, with rough seas and occasional closures affecting coastal access.

Weather & Climate near Eluanbi Lighthouse#

Climate

Eluanbi Lighthouse's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and warm winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 20°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2094 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 44 Good
Best Time to Visit
MarchAprilDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
15°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 20° - 24° 22° 50 mm overcast 76% 3.8 m/s 1.2 high 10.9h
February Very Good 20° - 24° 22° 48 mm overcast 77% 3.5 m/s 1.5 high 11.3h
March Excellent 21° - 25° 23° 34 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.3 m/s 1.7 very high 11.9h
April Excellent 23° - 27° 25° 59 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.2 m/s 1.9 very high 12.5h
May Very Good 25° - 29° 30° 169 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.0h
June Good 26° - 31° 34° 334 mm partly cloudy 83% 3.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.3h
July Good 27° - 31° 35° 363 mm partly cloudy 83% 3.3 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.2h
August Good 26° - 31° 34° 436 mm overcast 83% 3.5 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.7h
September Very Good 26° - 30° 32° 310 mm partly cloudy 81% 4.0 m/s 1.9 very high 12.2h
October Very Good 25° - 29° 27° 181 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.3 m/s 1.6 very high 11.5h
November Very Good 23° - 27° 25° 67 mm overcast 78% 3.3 m/s 1.3 high 11.0h
December Excellent 21° - 25° 23° 43 mm overcast 76% 3.5 m/s 1.0 high 10.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Eluanbi Lighthouse#

The lighthouse lies near the town of Hengchun in Pingtung County; the nearest major city and airport is Kaohsiung, with road connections south along Provincial Highway 26 for the final stretch.

From Kaohsiung or other regional hubs, expect to continue by regional bus, tour shuttle or taxi along Highway 26 to the cape; the last section is by road and parking and drop-off areas serve Eluanbi Park.

Tips for Visiting Eluanbi Lighthouse#

  • The lighthouse and park are exposed to strong coastal winds and sun, so bring windproof clothing and sun protection.
  • The headland faces rough seas and strong currents; the rocky shore is not a safe swimming area.
  • The site is part of a popular park and can be busy at peak seasons and around sunset - arrive early for quieter views.
  • Confirm any on-site access restrictions or guided-entry rules locally, as the tower interior can be subject to change.