【Weizhou Island Complete Guide】Encounter the Volcano and Glass Sea of the South China Sea

✨ Trip Highlights

· Volcanic Geological Wonders: Explore China’s youngest volcanic island, stroll through the Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area, admire volcanic relics and sea erosion landforms formed billions of years ago, and experience the marvels of nature.
· Stunning Beach Sunsets: Enjoy magnificent sunsets at Shiluokou Beach or Dishui Danping, where the sky and sea turn orange-red like a spilled palette—paradise for photography enthusiasts.
· Seafood Foodie Heaven: Choose fresh seafood at Nanwan Street Seafood Market, have it cooked on-site, and enjoy “seafood freedom” for under 100 RMB per person, tasting specialties like salt and pepper mantis shrimp and scallion oil squid.

🗓️ Recommended Itineraries

One-Day Highlights Tour

If your time is limited, this route lets you experience the core charm of Weizhou Island:

Morning: Depart from Nanwan Town, rent an electric bike to Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area🏞️. This is the only ticketed attraction on the island and the essence of Weizhou Island. Walk along the coastal boardwalk to see volcanic crater ruins, sea erosion arches, and other geological wonders. The visit takes about 2-3 hours.

Afternoon: Head to Shiluokou Beach, known as the "Glass Sea" for its crystal-clear waters. You can dive, take photos on a glass boat, or just lie on the beach and enjoy the sunshine.

Evening: Watch the sunset at Shiluokou Beach or Dishui Danping🌅. At sunset, the sky turns orange, creating a spectacular view.

Night: Return to Nanwan Old Street for a seafood feast🦀 and experience the islanders’ nightlife.

Two-Day In-Depth Tour

With two days, you can enjoy Weizhou Island more leisurely:

Day 1

· Morning: Arrive at Weizhou Island, check into a guesthouse in Nanwan Town or Dishui Village. Settle in and rent an electric bike for a round-island tour.
· Afternoon: Visit Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area to learn in detail about volcanic geology.
· Evening: Go to Dishui Danping to watch the sunset and explore the sea erosion caves.
· Night: Buy seafood at Nanwan Street Seafood Market and have it cooked for dinner.

Day 2

· Early morning: Arrive at Five-Color Beach🌄 before sunrise. The sea erosion platform at low tide displays colorful patterns under the morning sun.
· Morning: Visit Shengtang Catholic Church, a Gothic-style building made of coral, rock, and lime, over 100 years old.
· Afternoon: Collect coral fragments at Shell Beach or take Instagram-worthy photos of the abandoned ship at Blue Bridge Beach.
· Evening: Depending on your departure time, conclude your enjoyable Weizhou Island trip.

📍 Must-Visit Attractions Detailed

1. Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area (Weizhou Island National Volcano Geological Park)

· Features: One of Weizhou Island’s five volcanic craters, with volcanic crater ruins, sea erosion cliffs, sea erosion caves, and other geological wonders.
· Visit Duration: 2-3 hours.
· Tips: It’s about a 15-minute walk from the ticket gate to the scenic area, or you can take a sightseeing shuttle (round trip 20 RMB).

2. Shiluokou Beach

· Features: Crystal-clear water like glass, one of the best spots to watch the sunset and a great place for diving.
· Visit Duration: 1-2 hours.
· Tips: It gets crowded at sunset, so reserve a good photo spot early.

3. Five-Color Beach (formerly Zhima Beach)

· Features: At low tide, the beach covered with black pebbles and the sea erosion platform display red, green, white, blue, and other colors, creating a colorful spectacle.
· Best Viewing Time: From sunrise to 9 AM (at low tide).
· Tips: Check tide times; early morning visits are best.

4. Dishui Danping

· Features: Red rock walls intertwined with waves create a picturesque scene, with sea erosion caves and other natural landscapes.
· Visit Duration: About 1 hour.
· Note: Dangerous undercurrents here; swimming is prohibited.

🚢 Transportation Guide

Getting to Weizhou Island

· Departure Point: Beihai International Passenger Port.
· Ferry Ticket: Standard cabin one-way 150 RMB/person, about 1 hour sailing.
· Ticket Purchase: Recommended to buy in advance via official channels like the “Lai You Ba” WeChat public account.
· Island Entry Fee: 98 RMB/person, includes Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area ticket.

On-Island Transportation

· Electric Bike Rental: About 80 RMB/day, the most convenient way to circle the island.
· Bicycle Rental: About 30 RMB/day, suitable for short rides.
· Sightseeing Shuttle: Available at some attractions (e.g., Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area).

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

Nanwan Town Area

· Advantages: Close to night markets, transport hubs, and popular restaurants; convenient for dining and entertainment.
· Suitable For: First-time visitors and those who prefer convenience.

Dishui Village/Shiluokou Area

· Advantages: Seaside location, some guesthouses have balconies with sea views, about 400 RMB/night, ideal for sunset watching.
· Suitable For: Visitors seeking sea views and a quiet environment.

Featured Guesthouses

· Weizhou Island Moyuan Boutique Guesthouse: Located in Xijiao Village, close to the pier, offers shuttle service, with a swimming pool and beautiful courtyard.
· Weizhou Island Whale Sky Pool Sea View Hotel: Features a sky pool, rooms facing the sea, with a high rating of 4.9.

🍽️ Food Guide

Must-Try Dishes

· Scallion Oil Weizhou Island Hand-Caught Squid: Freshly caught squid with fragrant scallion oil and chewy texture.
· Salt and Pepper Mantis Shrimp: Local seafood, fresh and delicious.
· Seafood Vermicelli: Top dish on Nanwan Old Street.
· Mango Sticky Rice: A secret recipe of the islanders.

Recommended Restaurants

· Wuyiguan (Nanwan Street): Offers scallion oil squid, braised abalone with pork, and other specialties.
· Sister Wang’s Seafood: Recommended for salt and pepper mantis shrimp.

💰 Budget Reference

Budget Version (about 1000-1500 RMB/person, 2 days 1 night)

· Transportation: Round-trip ferry 300 RMB + electric bike rental 80 RMB
· Accommodation: Guesthouse 1 night about 200-300 RMB
· Food: Seafood + snacks about 200 RMB
· Tickets: Island entry fee 98 RMB

Premium Version (about 2000 RMB and above/person, 2 days 1 night)

· Upgrade to sea view room/villa
· Experience diving, sailing, and other water activities
· Private car island tour + guided commentary

💡 Practical Tips

1. Best Travel Time: Mid-October to early November; autumn on Weizhou Island has pleasant weather and clear water.
2. Essentials:
· High SPF sunscreen + arm sleeves (UV intensity is three times that of inland)
· Non-slip shoes (volcanic rock surfaces are slippery)
· Seasickness medicine (boats can be rough in southwest waves)
· Light jacket (temperature difference between morning and evening)
· Some cash (small vendors may only accept cash)
3. Pitfall Avoidance:
· Watch seafood processing shops closely to avoid “plastic bag water weight” tricks.
· Check electric bike battery; full charge needed for island tour (about 60 km).
· Beware of roadside tricycle touts; using Didi is more reliable.
· The popular "Cactus Frame" photo spot has been removed; instead, visit the abandoned ship at Blue Bridge Beach or the church window frame at Shell Beach.
4. Photography Tips:
· Morning light is softest and best for photos.
· Sunset at Shiluokou Beach is the golden hour for great shots.
· For editing, increase brightness and lower color temperature to enhance the sea view.

Weizhou Island, the volcanic gem in the South China Sea, with its endless blue ocean, unique geological landscapes, and delicious seafood feasts, will leave you enchanted. We hope this guide helps you plan a perfect trip to Weizhou Island. If you have more questions, feel free to share in the comments!