Lingao Lighthouse: IALA Heritage Lighthouse 2025
China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA)
At its Council Meeting (TC03) in December 2024, Lingao Lighthouse in China was named as IALA’s Heritage Lighthouse of the Year 2025.
Standing as the oldest lighthouse in the Hainan Province on Hainan Island, Lingao Lighthouse (built 1894) is a fascinating example of how a heritage lighthouse can be celebrated through innovative tourism ventures, good conservation, clever design technology and educational endeavours.
Concentrated efforts
China MSA and Ministry of Transport documents and regulations for the management of historical lighthouses underpin concentrated efforts to maintain, repair and protect heritage sites. This work is exemplified in the continued care given to Lingao Lighthouse and its unique features – most notably the rotating lantern which continues in operation.
A unique cultural aspect to Lingao Lighthouse is its position within a larger Lighthouse Park complex – known as the Lingao Lighthouse Liberation Park. Comprised of four themes, the park explores and celebrates the different centuries of lighthouse use with an on-site presentation on the history of the tower and displays of artefacts. The lighthouse and its larger park is an intriguing look at just how inventive lighthouse tourism can be.
In popular culture
Lingao Lighthouse itself is open to educational visits, where members of school groups, maritime institutions, and government organisations can visit the lighthouse free of charge by appointment. The lighthouse opens up to the general public on World Navigation Day and World AtoN Day, and media outlets have centred on Lingao Lighthouse in recent years, cementing it in popular culture.
Wider context also contributes to Lingao Lighthouse’s heritage value. Considered a ‘pearl’ in a necklace chain of 24 lighthouses located around the shores of Hainan Island, the tower forms one of numerous historic sites along the Hainan Round-Island highway loop. Visitors are encouraged to visit the island and travel along this highway route to uncover the history and natural beauty of the region.
A truly special heritage lighthouse
These integrated approaches to conservation, tourism, education, landscape and history make Lingao Lighthouse a truly special heritage lighthouse.
To commemorate the accolade, China MSA will be presented with an art piece produced by the Republic of Korea at the World AtoN Day celebrations in 2025.
