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Mǎtíjiāo Lighthouse

Fl White 8s🇨🇳Shinan District, CNOperational

Location & Light Range

About Mǎtíjiāo Lighthouse

Also known as: Mǎtíjiāo (Mǎtí Jiāo, Horseshoe Reef, Hufeisenriff)

Built in 1915, the Mǎtíjiāo Lighthouse stands as a cylindrical concrete tower with black and white horizontal bands, standing 11 meters tall. Its lantern and gallery are mounted on a square concrete pier. The light emits a white flash every 8 seconds, visible for 10 nautical miles. Originally lit in 1904, the structure is situated on an islet in Jiāozhōu Bay, approximately 1200 meters from the Qīngdǎo waterfront. In 2011, the lighthouse was restored and converted to solar power.

Why it matters: The lighthouse guides maritime traffic within Jiāozhōu Bay, a significant waterway for the port of Qīngdǎo. Its preservation through a 2011 restoration highlights a commitment to maintaining historical appearance alongside sustainable technology.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 8s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Fl W 8s
Focal Height
9m
Light Range
12NM (22.2 km)
Geographic Range
10NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1915
First Lit
1904

Significant events: restored and converted to solar power in 2011

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tsingtao(2.5 km)
Admiralty No.
P3832
NGA No.
18704
Wikidata
Q30850506 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with black and white horizontal bands
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with lantern and gallery, mounted on a square concrete pier

Location

City
Shinan District
Country
🇨🇳China
Region
Shandong
Sea Region
islet in Jiāozhōu Bay, about 1200 m off the Qīngdǎo waterfront
Latitude
36.0766°
Longitude
120.2895°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Mǎtíjiāo Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 9 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Mǎtíjiāo is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Mǎtíjiāo Lighthouse at night?+
Mǎtíjiāo displays the characteristic Fl White 8s. 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 Mǎtíjiāo Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mǎtíjiāo Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Qingdao Pt at 1.9 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Qingdao (2.1 NM SE), Tsingtao (2.5 NM NNE), Xuejiadao (2.8 NM SSW), Qianwan (3.9 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mǎtíjiāo Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mǎtíjiāo 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 Mǎtíjiāo Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mǎtíjiāo 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.