After the signing of the Beijing Treaty in 1860, the Takou Harbor was officially opened to foreign traders in 1863. Due to the increase in commercial shipping, the construction of the harbor facilities became a priority. In1883, British engineers built a Chinese style rectangular red brick lighthouse on to the north end of the Cihou Mountain peak. In 1916, during the Japanese Colonial era, the lighthouse was rebuilt, as part of a Port expansion project. Its appearance today dates back to its renovation, which was completed in 1918. The lighthouse base was rebuilt in Baroque style, imitating the late Renaissance period, with an octagonal brick tower constructed behind it. In 1979, The Cihou Lighthouse was rated a Class 3 Building of Historical Interest by the Ministry of the Interior and was opened to the public. The lighthouse tower provides excellent views of the entire Kaohsiung bay area. Photos: