Ieodo Lighthouse

Also known as: Ieodo (Socotra Rock, Suyan Rock)

This navigational aid is mounted on a square platform that supports a helipad and a solar-powered research station. Construction of the platform began in 1995 and concluded in 2001, establishing a presence on Socotra Rock. The rock is a submerged reef located 149 km southwest of Mara Island in the East China Sea. The light emits a single white flash every 15 seconds and has a focal height of 37 meters, with a geographic range of 16.6 nautical miles. Visitors can access the site by boat, but the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: The Ieodo light marks Socotra Rock, a submerged reef that presents a hazard to maritime traffic in the East China Sea. Its location within a disputed maritime zone highlights its significance for navigation and regional oceanographic research.