Do you dare to visit the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse at night? If you ask the local elders, they will likely shake their heads and repeatedly warn you: “Once the sun goes down, never go near that place.”
The romantic-looking White Lighthouse hides a chilling history behind its facade.
Standing tall on the peak of Jianshan in the southeast of Xiaoliuqiu, the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse is a highly sought-after photo spot by day. Every casual snap here exudes a rich Mediterranean vibe. However, as soon as night falls, it instantly transforms into the island’s most notorious haunted spot. There is no soothing sound of ocean waves here—only the intertwined roots of a century-old banyan tree and the century-old legends of the “White Monkey Spirit Massacre” and the “Japanese Soldiers’ Vengeful Ghosts.”
In this article, we won’t just take you to popular photo spots; we’ll guide you as a historical detective. Why did this lighthouse, originally built to illuminate the strait, ultimately become a forbidden zone that no one dares to approach? After reading this, your next trip to the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse will be an entirely different experience!
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History Unveiled: Why Did a Beautiful Lighthouse Become a Haunted House?
Let’s give you the conclusion directly: A large part of the terrifying atmosphere at the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse was deliberately created by the military for “secrecy”!
According to records from the Maritime and Port Bureau, this approximately 10-meter-tall lighthouse was built in 1929 (during the Japanese colonial period). Along with the Eluanbi Lighthouse in Pingtung, it shouldered the navigational lighting duties for the Taiwan Strait and the Bashi Channel.
The “Forbidden Zone Effect” Created by the Military
After World War II, the Taiwanese military recognized the strategic value of this high vantage point and installed a radar system inside the lighthouse to monitor the territorial waters of the South China Sea. Because nighttime military operations were top secret, the military deliberately fabricated and amplified ghost stories—using existing local rural legends—to prevent locals or curious strangers from approaching and leaking secrets. This successfully created a “do not approach” forbidden zone effect. This is the core historical truth behind why the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse was labeled “haunted.”
The White Monkey Spirit Legend: A Military Injustice and Animal Revenge
Although the military added fuel to the fire, the source of the story is a real tragedy that blends colonial conflict and injustice. The most famous of these is the legend of the Xiaoliuqiu White Monkey Spirit, which forced the nearby settlements (Jianshanding and Fanzaicuo) to relocate.
The Framed Officer and a Monkey
Legend has it that during the late Japanese colonial period, a Japanese officer stationed at the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse kept a highly intelligent white monkey as a companion. At the time, a prominent local family (surnamed Hong) had a conflict with this officer (some say a land dispute), so the Hong family conspired to frame the officer for stealing eggs and harassing local women.
To appease the massive public anger and maintain military discipline, the high-ranking Japanese military officials sentenced the officer to death without a detailed investigation. The white monkey he kept was also deemed a menace and slaughtered along with him. In the end, the man and the monkey were hastily buried beneath the White Lighthouse.
Resentment to the Heavens: The Mystery of the Destroyed Village
After the officer died, the white monkey’s resentment did not dissipate; it transformed into the “White Monkey Spirit” and began causing havoc around the lighthouse. At first, it was just livestock dying for no reason, but later, residents of the Hong family and neighboring areas began contracting strange illnesses and dying one after another. The entire Jianshanding settlement fell into extreme panic, forcing the villagers to flee down the mountain, leaving behind the abandoned village ruins still visible today.
So, how was the matter resolved?
The desperate villagers finally sought help from the center of faith in Xiaoliuqiu—Biyun Temple. Through divination, Guanyin Bodhisattva indicated that all of this occurred because the white monkey was buried in an extremely “Yin” (negative energy) geographical spot at the lighthouse, allowing it to become a demon. Following the deity’s instructions, the villagers built a small ancestral shrine under the century-old banyan tree, placing a Japanese military command flag and a red cloth representing the monkey for day and night worship. Only then did this paranormal storm, which had lasted for years, subside.
The Century-Old Banyan Tree: 3 Absolute Taboos for Night Tours
On Xiaoliuqiu, a coral reef island where plants are relatively scarce, there is a lush, intricately rooted century-old banyan tree right next to the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse. Older residents firmly believe that such massive banyan trees are the most prone to gathering “Yin” energy.
The paranormal rumors here are not without reason. During Xiaoliuqiu’s grandest “Triennial King Boat Festival,” when the procession of deities passes under the old banyan tree, the divine palanquins often shake violently. Locals strongly believe this is a sign that Guanyin and the Marshal are personally dealing with supernatural incidents in the area.
Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse Opening Hours and Photography Guide
What are the opening hours for the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse?
The official regulation states it is open 24 hours a day for free. However, based on safety and taboo considerations, we strongly recommend visiting between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. By day, the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse is an entirely different scene—the azure sky paired with the pure white tower is breathtakingly beautiful.
📸 Perfect Photography Guide
- Best Shooting Spot: Stand on the southeast side of the lighthouse and shoot upwards. This angle perfectly avoids messy bushes and blends the cylindrical tower with the blue sky and white clouds in the background.
- Must-Have Gear: The wind on Xiaoliuqiu can sometimes be strong. If you want to take beautiful photos by yourself, you need a stable tripod.
📸 Avoid Crowds and Take Blockbuster Photos: KINYO Bluetooth Quadrapod Selfie Stabilizer
At a popular spot like the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse, want to take full-body shots without random pedestrians, and don’t want to keep bothering others for help? This KINYO Selfie Stabilizer is definitely your ultimate teammate. The four-legged base is super stable and won’t be blown over by the sea breeze; equipped with a Bluetooth remote and fill light, you can snap the shutter anytime, anywhere, easily capturing the Mediterranean vacation vibe!
Check Gear Details (US Store)Nearby Food & Recommended Homestays
What to Eat Around Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse?
After your adventure, you’ll definitely be hungry. The Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse is located in the relatively remote southeast, so it is recommended to ride a scooter for about 5-10 minutes back to the bustling areas for food:
- Zhongshan Road Seafood Stalls: Here gathers many fresh and affordable stir-fry stalls. Highly recommend the local sashimi and fresh fish soup.
- Ah-Hong Grilled Squid: A classic Xiaoliuqiu snack! Charred grilled squid with a special sauce is an excellent afternoon tea or late-night snack.
Any Homestay Recommendations Nearby?
If you prefer quietness and want to avoid the noise of the downtown area, there are a few highly-rated choices near the White Lighthouse (within a 10-minute scooter ride):
| Homestay Name | Feature Review |
|---|---|
| Liuqiu Star | Boasts invincible ocean views with spacious and comfortable rooms. After visiting the White Lighthouse during the day, you can head straight back to your room’s balcony in the afternoon to watch the sea and space out. The distance is just right. |
| Blue Sea Guesthouse | Known for friendly service and high cost-performance ratio. The owner enthusiastically shares many local stories about Xiaoliuqiu (you might even hear more hidden versions of the White Monkey Spirit legend). |
🎒 Safely Escape the Haunted Zone: NaSaDen Dream Collaboration Suitcase
When island hopping in Xiaoliuqiu, whether your suitcase wheels push well makes a huge difference! What if you accidentally went to the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse at night, encountered something “unclean,” and wanted to pack up and change homestays overnight (just kidding!)? This NaSaDen Suitcase is equipped with 360-degree ultra-silent spinner wheels, ensuring you won’t wake anyone else while dragging luggage in the middle of the night. The super-large capacity easily holds all your duty-free loot.
Check Suitcase Deals (US Store)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are there really ghosts at the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse?
Paranormal events are a matter of personal belief. But historically speaking, the terrifying legends of the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse are largely the result of the military deliberately amplifying them post-war to keep the radar station a secret. However, locals do indeed treat it as a forbidden zone, so we should maintain a respectful attitude of “better to believe it exists.”
Q: Where can I go for a night tour in Xiaoliuqiu?
If you want to join a night tour, it is strongly recommended to sign up for an “Eco Night Tour” (searching for land crabs, stargazing) led by professional local guides. They will take you to safe and ecologically rich places. Do not go exploring the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse or Black Devil Cave on your own.
Q: Where is Biyun Temple? Can I go there to pray?
Biyun Temple is located in the central area of Xiaoliuqiu Island (Dafu Village) and is the most prosperous temple locally. Tourists are very welcome to go there to worship Guanyin Bodhisattva and pray for a safe journey.
Conclusion: Between Beauty and Terror, Seeing the Depth of History
The Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse is like a two-sided mirror of this island. By day, it illuminates the blue sky and sea, showcasing the romance of a vacation paradise; by night, it guards a heavy history of colonization, injustice, and military confrontation.
Whether you believe in the legend of the White Monkey Spirit or not, when you stand before this pure white building again, it is no longer just a soulless photo backdrop. Traveling with a respectful heart, you will find that the stories of Xiaoliuqiu are far more fascinating than you imagined.
Read More: Explore Island Legends
Secrets of the Liuqiu King Festival
Beyond the Xiaoliuqiu White Lighthouse, explore another folk festival full of religious fervor and taboos.
Black Devil Cave Taboos & Massacres
Another dark tourism must-read: debunking slave myths and restoring the true history of the Lamey Island Incident 400 years ago.