Dongju is somewhat long and narrow from north to south. Around it are the islands Linao, Xiniu, and Yongliu, for a total land area of 2.86 square kilometers, slightly larger than Xiju. Because of its relatively flat terrain, Mengao Beach, formed by accumulated river sand from the outflow of the Min River in Fujian, is not only the gateway to Dongju, but an excellent destination in its own right. The beach at Fuzheng Village has a broad intertidal zone, making it a great place for playing in the water or looking for shellfish, especially the famous Dongju steamer clam. At the northern end of the island is Beacon Hill, 64 meters in elevation; at the summit is a lighthouse built by the British in 1872, a Class II Historical Site not to be missed by visitors. One point of interest at the lighthouse is the short white wall that runs 30 meters across the grass to link the lighthouse to the small office nearby. The average visitor may not realize that the function of this wall was to serve as a windbreak. Because the position of the lighthouse is fairly high up, the wind can be strong, but the windbreak allowed lighthouse operators to carry an oil lamp from the office to the lighthouse in high winds without the flame being blown out, provided they moved quickly and kept low.