【3-Day 2-Night In-Depth Guide to Weizhou Island】The Dual Romance of Volcanoes and Ocean

I. Itinerary Planning: Perfect Fusion of Volcanic Wonders and Island Slow Living
Day 1: Artistic Island Loop + Sunset at Sea
Morning: Board the Beiyou 25 ferry from Beihai International Passenger Port to the island (economy class 150 RMB/person; choose rear seats to prevent seasickness). Head straight to Nanwan Street upon arrival—the red-and-white railings along the coastal road make a natural photo frame. Rent a kayak in the evening to chase the sunset, where the golden shimmer on the water resembles scattered diamonds. Dinner recommendation: "Sister Wang Seafood"—crispy yet tender salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp and addictive spicy crab. Pro tip: Drain the water from plastic bags when weighing seafood at the market.

Day 2: Volcanic Geology Exploration + Glass Sea Snorkeling
Dawn (5:30 AM): Charter a car to Five-Colored Beach. At sunrise, the volcanic rocks and tidal patterns create a mesmerizing blue-green gradient—capture the rhythmic waves hitting the reefs with time-lapse photography. Morning: Hike through Crocodile Hill Volcanic Park, traversing the 2km volcanic rock trail. From the lighthouse, overlook sea-eroded caves and black volcanic rocks (arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds). Afternoon: Snorkel near the Blue Bridge—the crystal-clear water offers 10m+ visibility, with jellyfish drifting around you like an Avatar world.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion + Sunset Finale
Morning: Visit the 100-year-old Shengtang Catholic Church, where Gothic coral stone architecture glows sacred under sunlight. Afternoon: Sip a "Volcanic Island Special" cocktail at the Spring & Summer Cliff Garden, framed by bougainvillea walls and cliffside ocean views straight out of a movie. Evening: Watch the sunset at Dripping Water Danping—freshwater droplets glisten like pearls on the cliffs at dusk. During low tide, hunt for tiny crabs on the beach.

II. Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
1. Transportation:
- E-bike rental: 50-80 RMB/day (300 RMB deposit); opt for models with sunshades.
- Book ferry tickets 3 days in advance via the official "Laiyouba" website to avoid scalper scams.

2. Spending:
- Nanwan Seafood Market processing fees: 10 RMB/jin (steamed), 15 RMB/jin (stir-fried). Beware of vendors pushing overpriced bananas.
- Cliffside cafés charge premium prices (~40 RMB/drink); bring your own water for photos.

3. Safety:
- Five-Colored Beach rocks are slippery—wear grippy shoes. The Blue Bridge has no railings; stay away from edges.
- Typhoon season starts in June; monitor "Laiyouba" for ferry cancellations and keep schedules flexible.

III. Local Food Map
Beyond seafood feasts, don’t miss:
- Sand Crab Sauce Braised Beans: Unique Beihai fermented sauce—salty, umami, mildly pungent—best paired with congee.
- Volcanic Goat BBQ: Cliff-grazed goat, lean and non-gamey, charcoal-grilled with chili powder.
- Mud Worm Soup: "Oceanic cordyceps" from tidal flats, simmered into a milky, sweet-nourishing broth.

IV. Accommodation Picks
- Nanwan Street: "Weizhou Island Fangdao Hotel" (600 RMB/night, sea-view rooms; steps from seafood market and nightlife).
- Dripping Water Danping: "Kafka Custom Hotel" (800 RMB/night, private-pool villas with ocean views).
- Five-Colored Beach: "Muyanxi Seaview Hotel" (wooden cottages; 5-minute walk to sunrise spots).

V. Photography Secrets
- Crocodile Hill Lighthouse: Use wide-angle to layer volcanic rocks and waves.
- Spring & Summer Cliff Garden: Telephoto shots of cliff-ocean horizons; avoid midday glare.
- Five-Colored Beach Sunrise: Low-angle shots of tidal textures; enhance with blue-tone filters.

Weizhou Island’s beauty hides in volcanic crevices and tidal rhythms. Skip tourist traps—immerse in fishermen’s lives and nature’s marvels for an underrated, unforgettable escape.