Gazing out from Wusongkou, can you see that beautiful white lighthouse? It stands at the end of a stone ridge. It helps ships enter and leave the Yangtze River and Huangpu River. This is Wusongkou Lighthouse. It’s more than just a navigational aid. It’s a landmark. It marks Shanghai’s international shipping center and port.
The Wusongkou Lighthouse we see today was completed in December 1999. But its story began long before that. It started with the Hetang lamp pile built in 1928. This original structure was a simple steel frame. It held a warning lamp at the end of the dam.
Over time, the river pounded against the lamp pile. Large stones washed away. This endangered the base. From the 1950s to 1960s, workers reinforced the guide dike to protect the lamp tower. By 1988, a conical iron cylinder was added. This enhanced its effectiveness as a navigation aid.
But Shanghai’s economy and shipping industry grew. The old river pond lamp pile was no longer enough. So, in September 1998, a large-scale reconstruction began. The old lamp pile was removed. A new tower was built. Granite veneer was added. It was finished with white fluorescent paint.
During construction, disaster struck. A rising tide flooded the site. Workers rushed to secure 1,800 concrete pieces. Each weighed about 500 kg. They managed to keep the project on track.
The new Wusongkou Lighthouse was more beautiful and modern. It stands 20.1 meters high. Its light is visible for 13 nautical miles. A standby light reaches 7 nautical miles. The main light flashes white every five seconds. At night, floodlights outline the lighthouse. They highlight the words “China Maritime Wusongkou”. This makes it easy to spot against the city lights.
The lighthouse uses advanced technology. It has a Beidou satellite navigation system. This allows for remote control and monitoring. It collects signals. It switches between main and auxiliary lights. It operates the radar transponder. It transmits information. This makes it an unattended lighthouse. It is reliable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Inside, a spiral ladder with 60 or 70 steps winds up the white cylindrical tower. Small square windows dot the sides. They are decorated with arched eyebrows. The tower base has a ring of yellowish-brown granite. The top is a red “Temple of Heaven” design. It’s handcrafted from red copper. The platform and guardrail are white. The guardrail features vase-shaped columns. The walkway is spacious.
In March 2006, Wusongkou Lighthouse became a national legal geographical marker. In May of the same year, Shanghai hosted the 16th Congress of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. Wusongkou Lighthouse was featured on a set of special stamps. It represented modern lighthouses.
Today, Wusongkou Lighthouse stands as a symbol of Shanghai’s maritime strength. It is a testament to the city’s history. It is a guide for ships from around the world. As you stand here, remember its story. Think of the generations of sailors who have relied on its light.