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Nánpàotái Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇨🇳Longhai District, CNOperational

Location & Light Range

About Nánpàotái Lighthouse

Also known as: Nánpàotái (South Fort)

Constructed of concrete, the Nánpàotái lighthouse is a 52-meter cylindrical tower built in 2010. It features a lantern and gallery with several decorative rings. The unpainted concrete is accented by a red horizontal band and red trim, with a red lantern dome. It stands on a mainland promontory opposite the southwestern tip of Xiàméndǎo, near Longhai District and the port of Zhangzhou. The lighthouse emits a white flash every 10 seconds from a focal height of 70.5 meters. This structure, which has a geographic range of 21.5 nautical miles, became operational in 2010.

Why it matters: The Nánpàotái lighthouse's light marks a significant promontory, guiding vessels navigating the waters off the southwestern tip of Xiàméndǎo.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
70.5m
Light Range
15NM (27.8 km)
Geographic Range
21.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2010

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Zhangzhou(1.5 km)
Admiralty No.
P3612.195
NGA No.
19150.7
Wikidata
Q115046425 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
52m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
except for a red horizontal band and red trim
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with lantern and gallery and several decorative rings, unpainted except for a red horizontal band and red trim; the lantern dome is also red

Location

City
Longhai District
Country
🇨🇳China
Region
Fujian
Sea Region
A promontory of the mainland opposite the southwestern tip of Xiàméndǎo.
Latitude
24.4043°
Longitude
118.0680°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Nánpàotái Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 70.5 meters and a nominal range of 15 nautical miles (approximately 27.8 km), Nánpàotái 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 Nánpàotái Lighthouse at night?+
Nánpàotái displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. 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 Nánpàotái Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Nánpàotái Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Zhangzhou at 1.2 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Haicang, Xiamen (2.7 NM N), Xiamen (3.3 NM NNE), Xiamen Pt (6.3 NM NNW), Xiamen (7.3 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Nánpàotái Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Nánpàotái 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.
What shipping routes pass near Nánpàotái Lighthouse?+
Nánpàotái Lighthouse is located within the Taiwan Strait — a major shipping corridor in East Asia connecting the East and South China Seas. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Nánpàotái Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Nánpàotái 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.