Background

The lighthouse was invented for navigation in ancient times with the development of water transportation and fishery. It has evolved from the simple tower with "a light to guide ferrying boats at night" into the modern lighthouse. Recommended by Maritime Safety Administration of China, the Maota Pagoda Lighthouse of Shanghai, the Jiangxin Pagoda Lights of Wenzho, the Huaniaoshan Lighthouse of Zhejiang, the Laotieshan Lighthouse of Dalian and the Lin'gao Lighthouse of Hainan were elected Historical Lighthouses of the World by the International Association of Maritime Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities in 1997. The five sites are typical representatives of Chinese historical lighthouses. Their election symbolizes the important status of China in the would history of lighthouses.

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