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Jīgǔjiāo Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇨🇳Hengsha, CNOperational

Location & Light Range

About Jīgǔjiāo Lighthouse

This concrete lighthouse, built in 2004, stands 52 meters tall on an artificial island located on Chicken Bone Reef. Its white and black cylindrical tower is mounted atop a seven-story building, all supported by a large concrete pier. The structure replaced an earlier tower from 1996. The lighthouse emits a white light with a single flash every 5 seconds, visible for 19 nautical miles. Originally, a fort was constructed on the island in 1971 and decommissioned in 1980. Since 2004, it has also served as a staffed radar and vessel traffic control station.

Why it matters: Its dual role as a navigational aid and a traffic control center is essential for managing maritime traffic and guiding vessels safely past the reef and into the North Channel entrance.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
52m
Light Range
24NM (44.4 km)
Geographic Range
19NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2004
First Lit
1986

Significant events: Fort built on artificial island in 1971, Fort decommissioned in 1980, Station established 1986, 1996 lighthouse built, 1996 lighthouse replaced by current structure in 2004, Became staffed radar and vessel traffic control station in 2004, MSA project to upgrade light in 2021

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Luhuashan(25.6 km)
Admiralty No.
P3753
NGA No.
18784
Wikidata
Q35081339 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
52m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white and black
Material
concrete

Structure: elliptical cylindrical concrete tower mounted atop a 7-story concrete building, all standing on a large concrete pier

Location

City
Hengsha
Country
🇨🇳China
Sea Region
Located on Jīgǔjiāo (Chicken Bone Reef) about 30 km (19 mi) southeast of the Shéshān lighthouse and 15 km (9 mi) east of the Běicáo (North Channel) entrance.
Latitude
31.1741°
Longitude
122.3815°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Jīgǔjiāo Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 52 meters and a nominal range of 24 nautical miles (approximately 44.4 km), Jīgǔjiāo is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Jīgǔjiāo Lighthouse at night?+
Jīgǔjiāo displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Jīgǔjiāo Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Jīgǔjiāo Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is CJK at 13.6 NM to the E. Other ports served include Lü-hua Shan (25.9 NM SSE), Maji Shan (28.6 NM S), Nanhui (34 NM W), Xinchang (34 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Jīgǔjiāo Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Jīgǔjiāo Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Jīgǔjiāo Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Jīgǔjiāo Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.