But after the Treaties of Nanking, Peking and Tientsin from 1842-1860, the Qing government was forced to open more trading ports.

The original plan included the lighthouse, living quarters, a fresh water collection tank, and a derrick used to transport people and cargo onto the island.

[7] In the coming years, a saluting battery featuring three 18 pounder cannons was installed for fog signals and defense.

[13] Waglan Island Lighthouse was extensively damaged by the Japanese and the aerial bombings by Allied aircraft during World War II.

In 1945 after World War II the lighthouse resumed operations, installing a temporary light for the purpose.

In January 1946, the Hong Kong Civil Affairs Committee approved HK$2,050,000 for the reconstruction and modernization of Waglan Lighthouse and it's facilities.

Dubbed "World's most modern lighthouse" by SCMP, it was assembled from parts totaling 25 tonnes, ordered from two British companies and the AGA firm in Sweden.

[12] During the 1930s, two Chinese became second class lighthouse keepers: Wong Kai Chung from 1930 and Leung Chiu Tung from 1933.