The White Night Pearl of the Northern Borders: Dongyong Lighthouse (also known as Dongyingdao Lighthouse) is located on the hillside of Shewei Mountain—in the easternmost territory of the entire Matsu Islands, and is also referred to as the Northern Frontier Lighthouse. Its pure white brick tower stands 13 meters tall, exuding an 18th-century European architectural style. Erected on a sheer cliffside, the construction of Dongyong Lighthouse originated in the 27th year of the Guangxu era (circa 1901). A 450-foot steamship named "Soburen" capsized after hitting a reef near Dongyong. Though passengers and cargo remained unharmed, the shipping company suffered heavy losses. Following the opening of Sandao Port, the surge in import and export trade eventually led to its construction. In 1988, it was designated as a National Third-Level Cultural Heritage Site by the Council for Cultural Affairs and upgraded to a national landmark in 2016. It remains the northernmost cultural heritage site in the Taiwan and Fujian regions.
In its early days, the lighthouse was situated within a restricted military zone, and the keepers resided in the tower with their families. To supply food for staff, chicken coops and pigsties were established. During scarce resource periods, people outside envied the keepers living in the tower, prompting the nickname "Dongying Villa" for this area. Two fog cannons were originally installed at the cliffside below the lighthouse; they were later replaced by a single foghorn for navigation aid. Facing the East China Sea, the white structure towering on the cliffside dramatically contrasts with the deep blue sea below, creating an unforgettable view. Visitors can ascend the winding path along the low white cement railing to discover this lighthouse.
Note: To visit Dongyong Lighthouse, park at the end-of-road parking lot first, then follow the trail uphill through attractions like Leigu Shi (Drumbeating Rock) and Taibai Dayin (Tai Bai's Celestial Sound) to reach the lighthouse entrance.