Laotieshan Lighthouse in Lushunkou district, Dalian, Liaoning province [Photo/WeChat account: gh_b114addbb84f]

Yu Youlai, a lighthouse keeper, checks equipment at Laotieshan Lighthouse. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_b114addbb84f]

For Yu Youlai, a lighthouse keeper, Laotieshan Lighthouse is not only a work place, but also an old decade-long friend.

Yu has been working at the lighthouse for more than 30 years. According to him, taking care of a lighthouse was not a good job for young people in early days. But when he learnt about the importance of the work, he decided to stay.

Located on the slope of Laotie Mountain in Lushunkou district, Dalian, Liaoning province, the lighthouse was built by the French in 1892. It was equipped with eight huge optical lenses and has been in service for more than 100 years.

“In my early years working here, the lighthouse was a desolate place without tap water,” said Yu. “The wind was biting in winter and the traffic was inconvenient.”

“Now the infrastructure and surroundings have been greatly improved,” he added.

Yu will retire in two years and he has an apprentice who will eventually take over his job. 

“I’ll come back regularly after retirement,” said Yu. “I’ve devoted my entire life to this job and I cannot leave it behind.”