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Weizhou Island, located 21 nautical miles south of Beihai City, Guangxi Province, is the largest island in Guangxi and China's youngest volcanic island. In 2005, National Geographic magazine ranked Weizhou Island second among China's top ten most beautiful islands in its "Beautiful China" competition.
With an average annual temperature of 23°C, Weizhou Island is one of the least precipitous areas in Guangxi, yet also boasts the highest thermal mass. Formed by multiple volcanic eruptions, the most recent eruption is believed to have occurred 30,000 years ago.
Weizhou Island is woven into the coral deposits of volcanic eruptions, creating a striking contrast between the rugged and rugged southern part and the open, flat northern part. Its coastal waters are azure blue, and the living corals and precious seafood abound in magnificent beauty and variety. The island boasts lush vegetation and beautiful scenery, particularly its unique sea erosion and marine sedimentary landforms, and its volcanic lava formations. It is known as the "Penglai Island" of the South China Sea.
Weizhou Island boasts an average annual temperature of 23°C, with frost-free weather year-round. The island has distinct dry and wet seasons, with the rainy season running from June to September. May, with its bright sunshine and ideal for swimming, marks the start of the traditional peak tourist season for Beihai and Weizhou Island.
March-June: Enjoy the quiet seaside, avoid the crowds, and buy tickets and accommodation easily.
July-August: The most popular time to go into the sea and experience the hot atmosphere
It's important to note that tropical storms and typhoons are common from July to September, causing all boat trips from Beihai to Weizhou Island to be suspended, resulting in island closures or even stranded visitors. Therefore, it's crucial to check weather forecasts before traveling. However, the scenery is most beautiful around typhoons, when fiery clouds are most likely to form. Watching the sunrise from Wucai Beach in the morning is also a truly spectacular sight.
Crocodile Mountain
Located on Crocodile Ridge, west of South Bay, the scenic area was approved as a national 4A-level tourist area in December 2009. Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area features attractions such as the Crocodile Mountain Lighthouse, Tangweng Terrace, the crater ruins, Dragon Palace Exploration, Hidden Turtle Cave, Thieves Cave, the Sea of Hundred Beasts, the Sea Arch Bridge, Moon Bay, coral sedimentary rock scenes, the Sea Drying and Rocks Rotting, and Moon Square. Other geological wonders include volcanic impact craters, ancient tree fossils, the Water Curtain Cave, sea stacks, and sea piers.
Catholic Church
Located in Shengtang Village on Weizhou Island, this church is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site and one of the "Four Great Catholic Churches of the Late Qing Dynasty." Built in 1853 by French missionaries from Paris, the construction took ten years, and the main structure is remarkably well-preserved. Constructed primarily from submarine coral sedimentary rock and meticulously designed, it embodies a classic French Gothic Renaissance style. Its towering Romanesque spires create a sense of "heavenly mystery," evoking a sense of "strike towards the sky."
Colorful Beach
Located on the east coast of Weizhou Island, the scenic area boasts 1.5 kilometers of coastline, almost all of which is covered with towering sea cliffs 20-50 meters high. In front of the cliffs, a flat and wide sea platform stretches, ranging from tens to hundreds of meters wide at low tide. At the junction of the cliffs and the platform, sea caves of various shapes can be found.
Stone snail mouth
Located in the western part of Weizhou Island, the nearby village, shaped like a snail, earned the name Shiluo. This coastal landform boasts abundant deposits from storm and earthquake events. The volcanic rocks and sea erosions along the coast are abundant, unique, and bizarre. In the northwest of the beach, a sea erosion called "Wangfu Rock" resembles a beautiful woman carrying a baby, standing on the shore, hoping for her husband's return.
Dripping Red Screen
Dishui Village, located in the western part of Weizhou Island, is a wonder of China's volcanic landscape. The rocky cliffs are a result of sea erosion, with exposed rock formations in vibrant shades of red, yellow, purple, green, and cyan, each with exceptionally clear textures. Vines entwine the clifftops, while red flowers and green leaves hang upside down, creating a vibrant display of vibrant colors. The name "Danping" (Red Screen) comes from the perpetual flow of water from the massive cliffs, which drips down.
Recommended routes:
The first one: Turtle Rock Seaside Park (ride up the steepest hillside in Beihai area) - Big Sandy Beach - Fisherman's Village - Sea Cucumber Farm - Catholic Church - Stone Snail Back - Undersea Coral Area (diving) - A Hundred Beasts in the Sea.
The second option: Watch the sunrise at Crocodile Hill Park - visit the remains of the crater - Fairy Cave - Dripping Danping - Sanpo Temple - Fengbo Ridge (the steepest slope in the Lower Beihai area) - Zhuzi Ridge.
Recommended play time: 2-3 days
The entrance fee to the scenic spot is 115 yuan per person;
Children between 1.2 and 1.4 meters tall, students, active military personnel, people with disabilities, and the elderly can enjoy a discount of 60 yuan per person;
Children under 1.2 meters, journalists, tour guides, and island residents are free of charge;
The battery car fare from the Weizhou Island Geological Museum to the crater is 20 yuan per person (round trip).
Ticket sales locations and business hours:
International Passenger Terminal 07:15-18:00 Huamei Plaza 07:15-22:00 Wangsheng Road 07:15-22:00
Weizhou Island, located in the Beibu Gulf, is the largest volcanic island in China. It is known for its rich history, including Portuguese influence during colonial times. The island is also significant for its natural beauty, with volcanic landscapes, rich marine life, and a blend of cultural heritage from the local Zhuang ethnic group and early Christian influence.
Weizhou Island is located off the coast of Beihai City in Guangxi Province. To get there, you can take a ferry from Beihai Port to the island, which takes about 30-40 minutes. There are no metro or bus services on the island, but taxis and local transport are available for getting around.
The island is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring and autumn (March-May, September-November), when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are lower. Summer (June-August) can be hot, and it's the peak tourist season, so it may be crowded.
The entrance to Weizhou Island itself is free, but certain attractions like the volcano park or boat tours may have additional fees. Tickets for boat rides and some attractions can be purchased on-site or online via local travel platforms.
It's recommended to book ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. For the boat ride to the island, booking a day or two before is sufficient. For specific tours or attractions on the island, booking in advance is not mandatory but can help avoid long waits during the busy season.
To fully explore Weizhou Island, you’ll need around 2-3 days. This allows time to visit all the main attractions, relax on the beaches, and enjoy the local culture and cuisine.
Guided tours are available on the island, and many guides speak Mandarin. Some tours may offer basic English explanations, but it's recommended to have a translator if you're not fluent in Mandarin.
Start your day with a visit to the Weizhou Island Volcano for a hike to the crater. Afterward, relax at one of the island's beaches, such as Beihai or Yintan Beach. In the evening, visit the Catholic Church and enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood. If you have extra time, take a boat trip around the island to see its unique coastline.
Weizhou Island is not known for night activities or light shows. However, the island is peaceful and ideal for stargazing at night. Special night tours are not available, but some guesthouses offer local night experiences such as seafood dinners or cultural performances.
Weizhou Island can get crowded during the summer months and public holidays. The least crowded times are during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, particularly on weekdays. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be quieter, even during peak periods.
There are basic facilities on the island, including public toilets, small local shops, and restaurants offering fresh seafood. Some rest areas are available, but the island is relatively undeveloped compared to larger tourist destinations.
The island’s rugged terrain may pose challenges for elderly or disabled visitors, especially if hiking or walking long distances. However, there are easier walking paths near the beaches, and children will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and beach activities.
Cash is still widely accepted on the island, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are commonly used. It’s advisable to carry some cash, especially in more remote areas where mobile payment options may not be available.
There are several local seafood restaurants on the island serving fresh fish, shrimp, and other local delicacies. Many of the beachfront restaurants offer a laid-back dining experience with beautiful sea views.
Vegetarian options are available, but the island is more known for its seafood cuisine. Halal food may be limited, but there are a few options available in Beihai city, especially for those who are looking for Muslim-friendly eateries.
Weizhou Island has several guesthouses, small hotels, and resorts catering to different budgets. Many accommodations offer stunning views of the sea, with some located right by the beaches for easy access to the shore.
There are small souvenir shops on the island selling local handicrafts, such as seashell jewelry, Zhuang embroidery, and traditional Chinese teas. Fresh seafood is also a popular item to take home.
You can take a ferry back to Beihai city, where you can catch a bus, taxi, or train to continue your trip. Beihai offers easy connections to other destinations in Guangxi or southern China.
