A Detailed Travel Guide to Weizhou Island - A Must-Read for Beginners

Along the vast South China Sea lies a dreamlike paradise - Weizhou Island in Beihai. As China's largest volcanic island, it features both stunning volcanic landscapes carved by nature and mesmerizing seascapes where the ocean meets the sky, along with simple fishing village life, attracting numerous visitors each year. Want to explore Weizhou Island with ease? Save this super practical guide. Getting to the Island First, take a flight or high-speed train to Beihai Fucheng Airport or Beihai Railway Station, then take a taxi to Beihai International Passenger Port to catch a ferry. The boat journey takes 70-120 minutes. Book ferry tickets in advance through the official website or "Laiyouba" app. Regular cabin costs CNY 150/person, business cabin CNY 180/person. Remember to waitlist during peak season. Island admission fee is CNY 98/person (including Volcanic Geopark), half-price for students. Popular Attractions Overview 1. Crocodile Mountain Volcanic Park: Features volcanic rocks, sea caves, and a lighthouse. Walking along the hiking trail offers endless beautiful views. Recommended visit in the morning, ideal for 2-3 hours. 2. Five-Color Beach: Perfect spot for watching sunrise. During low tide, sunlight illuminates the moss on volcanic rocks, creating stunning colors. 3. Dishui Danping & Shiluokou Beach: Breathtaking at sunset. Shiluokou has clear water and offers jet skiing and diving experiences. 4. Catholic Church: A century-old coral stone building with vintage charm. The back garden is photogenic, surrounded by artistic cafes. 5. Nanwan Street: The island's liveliest area, featuring seafood markets, bars, and Instagram-worthy roads, full of local life. 6. Shell Beach: Less crowded but beautiful, perfect for shell collecting and snorkeling. Local Delicacies 1. Seafood Feast: Visit Nanwan Seafood Market between 3-5 PM. Steamed dishes CNY 10/serving, stir-fried CNY 15/serving. Must-try mantis shrimp and flower crabs. 2. Local Snacks: Tender meat from banana-fed poultry, non-gamey volcanic goat barbecue, plus special desserts like mung bean seaweed soup and coconut jelly. 3. Recommended Restaurants: Shilu Seafood Processing, Qiqi Dessert Shop, See You Tomorrow Mango Beverage Shop are worth visiting. Accommodation Suggestions - Dishui Village/Shiluokou: Convenient location, many guesthouses, CNY 200-400/night in low season, double during peak season. - East Coast (near Five-Color Beach): Quiet, convenient for sunrise viewing. - Luxury Hotels: Qingli Hotel, Fangdao Art Hotel, featuring stylish design and swimming pools. 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary - Day 1: Take ferry after arriving in Beihai, visit Crocodile Mountain Volcanic Park, watch sunset at Dishui Danping, dinner at Nanwan Street. - Day 2: Watch sunrise at Five-Color Beach, visit Catholic Church and Shell Beach, enjoy water activities at Shiluokou, have seafood feast. - Day 3: Optional beach combing or diving, then pack up and return. Helpful Tips 1. Sun and Mosquito Protection: Strong UV rays - bring high SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses; many mosquitoes - prepare insect repellent. 2. Electric Scooter Rental: CNY 60-80/day, check battery level when renting, some attractions charge CNY 5 for parking. 3. Eco-friendly Travel: Protect the environment, don't litter, preserve coral reefs. 4. Weather Updates: Ferry services may stop during typhoon season (July-September), follow "Weizhou Island Ferry Tickets" WeChat account. 5. Cash Preparation: Some vendors only accept cash, better prepare some. The best time to visit Weizhou Island is April-June and September-November, with an average budget of CNY 1,500-2,500 per person. Take your time to enjoy the leisurely pace on Weizhou Island! Check the weather before departure, and have a great trip!