Lingao Lighthouse, located in China's southernmost island province of Hainan, was awarded the title of "Heritage Lighthouse of the Year 2025" by the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA).

This marks the first time a Chinese lighthouse has received such international recognition since the establishment of this award in 2019, underscoring growing global acknowledgment of China's efforts in maritime heritage preservation.

Built in 1894, the 22-meter-tall lighthouse features a red-and-white striped cast-iron structure, making it the oldest modern lighthouse in Hainan.

Lingao Lighthouse is not only visually well-preserved but also plays an active role in the local community through its museum and educational programs - making it a model example of heritage lighthouse preservation and utilization, said Francis Zachariae, secretary-general of IALA.

"This lighthouse of the year, the Lingao lighthouse, is a fantastic example of how you combine an important Asian navigation with culture, history and also education of the generations to come. So they can see how important this system is for safety of navigation," he said.

Zachariae also praised China's consistent engagement in international lighthouse conservation through IALA. He highlighted China's active role in international collaboration, adding that Lingao Lighthouse, with its innovative educational models and exemplary conservation practices, provides valuable insights for the global community.

The award was presented during the IALA International Seminar on Heritage Lighthouse Conservation held in Haikou, provincial capital city of Hainan, on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.