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The Kaohsiung Lighthouse, formerly known as Qihou Lighthouse, was constructed in 1883 by British engineers and is one of the few lighthouses in Taiwan constructed in conjunction with an artillery battery. Its century-old history chronicles the arduous development of Kaohsiung Harbor. In 1987, the Ministry of the Interior designated it as a municipal historic site, and public access was opened in 1992. As the country's sole white octagonal brick lighthouse, its tower is octagonal in structure transitioning to a cylindrical shape at the top, features a balcony for panoramic views, and a neoclassical white-walled office building in front displaying instruments, photographs, and location maps once used at the lighthouse. The lush green lawn outside houses a sundial. Notably, the wind vane atop the tower is uniquely marked with Chinese characters for the four cardinal directions – "East, West, South, North" – a one-of-a-kind feature nationwide. Despite enduring machine-gun fire during World War II, the lighthouse continued to operate uninterrupted, guiding maritime traffic and ensuring safe passage for vessels, a historically significant role. Standing at a historical high point, rediscover the charm of Kaohsiung Harbor! Located at the highest point of Jieshou, though its premises are compact, the lighthouse area offers sweeping views of the Taiwan Strait and Kaohsiung cityscape. Breathtaking vistas include harbor freighters, golden sunsets, and reflections of a century of harbor history. This emotional and scenic cultural journey highlights its timeless appeal. Managed by Kaohsiung Port Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and the Tourism Bureau of the Kaohsiung City Government, the complex has undergone integrated tourism development including new signage, protective fences, handrails with indirect lighting, landscape improvements, and a café. These enhancements ensure safety for evening visits, extending tourism hours for visitors to admire sunrise, Kaohsiung Harbor, and Jieshou coastal views from dawn to 21:00 – the first lighthouse site in the nation with an operational schedule from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.