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Jiāo Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 4s🇨🇳Wenchang City, CNOperational

Also known as: Jiāo (Pùqián Gǎng)

This concrete cylindrical tower stands 8 meters tall on a reef in the Mǐnjiāng River, near the China Shipping Heritage Museum in the Mǎwěi district. Its black exterior features a single red horizontal band. The lighthouse emits a white flash every 4 seconds, visible for 9.7 nautical miles. A repainting in 2006, changing its colors, indicated a potential shift in the preferred navigation channel around the shoal. The site is open to visitors, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is indispensable for safe navigation within the Mǐnjiāng River, warning mariners of a hazardous reef. Its repainting historically signaled a practical adaptation to changing maritime conditions.

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
8m
Geographic Range
9.7NM

Significant events: Tower repainted in 2006, suggesting preferred channel switched from north to south side of shoal

Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
black with one red horizontal band
Material
concrete

Structure: round white concrete tower

City
Wenchang City
Country
🇨🇳China
Region
Hainan
Sea Region
Located on a reef in the Mǐnjiāng River, just off the China Shipping Heritage Museum in the southern Mǎwěi district
Latitude
20.1600°
Longitude
110.6845°
Nearest Port
Haikou(24.5 km)
Admiralty No.
P3347.6.
NGA No.
20130.5
ARLHS No.
PRC-043
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How do mariners identify Jiāo Lighthouse at night?+
Jiāo displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 4s — 2 white flashes every 4 seconds. 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 Jiāo Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Jiāo Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Dongjiaotou Pt at 18.3 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Haikou (21.2 NM WSW), HAIKOU (23.8 NM WSW), HAIAN (26.1 NM WNW), Haian (27.6 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Jiāo Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Jiāo 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 Jiāo Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Jiāo 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.