How to Visit Weizhou Island: How to Get to, Attractions, Routes & Tips

Written by Natalia | Updated April 22,2026

Weizhou Island is the largest and youngest volcanic island in China, renowned for the unique volcanic landforms, clear waters, and a slow-paced lifestyle. You can explore the spectacular volcanic sea-erosion landscapes, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, vibrant underwater world, and historic architectures, all in one place. If you are planning a Guangxi tour, never miss Weizhou Island.

So, with so many attractions and activities, how to schedule your trip in the best way? This article provides all the important information you will need when planing a Weizhou Island tour.

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• Overview about Weizhou Island
• How to Get to Weizhou Island
• Top 10 Things to Do in Weizhou Island
• How to Maximize Your Visit to Weizhou Island
• Hotels on Weizhou Island
• Plan Your Weizhou Island Tour with China Xian Tour
• FAQs about Weizhou Island

Overview about Weizhou Island

Basic Travel Information

• Location: Beihai City, Guangxi, China (off the southern coast)
• Chinese name: 涠洲岛
• Opening hours: 24/7; scenic spots typically 8:00 – 18:00
• Tickets: CNY 98 / USD 14 for entry; CNY 240 – 360 / USD 34 – 51 for round-trip ferry from Beihai city
• Best time to go: April – June & September – November (mild weather, fewer crowds)
• How long to spend: 2 – 3 days
• Highlights: Volcanic cliffs, coral beaches, catholic church, diving, coconut tree lanes, seafood feasts, lava rock formations

Where is Weizhou Island

The name Weizhou means “land surrounded by water”. Isolated in the middle of Beihai Gulf (Tonkin Gulf), the island sits east of the Leizhou Peninsula, faces Hainan Island across the sea to the south, and looks west toward Vietnam.

Over 95% of the island’s strata is made up of volcanic rock. The unique coastal erosion landforms here is attributed to the interaction between seawater and volcanoes.

Why Visit It

• Unique volcanic and sea-erosion landscape: Here the dramatic black-red volcanic rocks are combined with wave-carved cliffs, a quite rare geological sight in China.
• Glass sea with great visibility: The waters at Weizhou are especially clear, and it feels like the colorful coral reefs are just below the water surface.
• Quiet fishing village life and unique coral-stone houses: You can stay in traditional homes built from local coral stone, and experience a slow, peaceful pace of life far from city crowds.

How to Get to Weizhou Island

Getting to Beihai First

To get to Weizhou Island, you first need to reach Beihai, Guangxi. Flights, trains, and ferries are all available.

• Plane: There are direct flights from Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai to Beihai Fucheng Airport. You can also fly to Nanning and transfer by a high-speed train (CNY 80 -100 / USD 11 – 14) at Nanning East Station. The journey takes just about 1 hour.
• High-speed train: Beihai Station is only about 4.4 kilometers from the city center. There are direct trains from Nanning, Guilin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Changsha, Kunming Chongqing, and the travel time ranges from 1 to 9 hours.
• Ferry: There’s a Beihai – Haikou (Hainan) route. Ticket costs CNY 250 – 480 / USD 35 – 68 depending on cabin type, and the travel time takes usually 11 – 13 hours.

From Beihai to Weizhou Island

The only way to get from Beihai to Weizhou Island is to take a high-speed ferry from Beihai International Passenger Port to Weizhou’s Xijiao Pier. Detailed information for the ferry is listed below:

• Departure point: Beihai International Passenger Port (北海国际客运港)
• Arrival point: Weizhou Island Passenger Terminal
• Duration: 60 – 110 minutes, vary on cruise ships
• Ticket prices (one-way): Standard cabin: CNY 120 – 150 / USD 17 – 75; Business cabin: CNY 180 / USD 25; First class: CNY 240 / USD 34; Round-trip estimate: CNY 240 – 360 / USD 34 – 51
• Boat types: Large high-speed ships (Beiyou 12, Beiyou 16, Beiyou 26, Beiyou 36), small high-speed ships (Beiyou 28), Standard ship (Beiyou 15, Beiyou 25)
• Schedule: 8:30, 10:30, 15:20, 17:20
• How to book: Official WeChat account / mini-program Laiyouba (来游吧)
• Tips: Sea conditions can be unpredictable, especially during winter. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s better to choose a large ferry (like Beiyou 26 or Beiyou 36).

How to reach Beihai International Passenger Port (No. 18, Yintan Tourist Area):

Top 10 Things to Do in Weizhou Island

Weizhou Island has more to offer than just beaches and scenery. You can explore volcanic coastlines at Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area, and step inside the striking Catholic Church. Riding an e-bike takes you past village houses, local markets, and quiet beaches.

1. Hike Crocodile Mountain Volcanic Park

• Tickets: CNY 98 / USD14
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
• Highlights: Coastal volcanic trail, ancient lava flow formations, dramatic cliffside photo spots, collapsed volcanic crater

Crocodile Mountain isn’t just a scenic area, but the geological heart of Weizhou Island, where million-year-old lava flows have been carved into rugged cliffs and black rock platforms. Follow the coastal trail past the iconic lighthouse, then you can descend toward the water’s edge.

At low tide, the sea pulls back to reveal a temporary world of tidal pools, scattered shells, and quick-moving crabs. It’s part hike, part treasure hunt, and entirely beyond a typical scenic overlook.

2. Catch a Sunrise at Wucai Beach

Set at the easternmost tip of Weizhou Island, Wucai Beach gives you a perfect wide panorama of the sunrise since there will be no mountains nor buildings blocking your view. Here you can see the tidal flats, sea-carved platforms, and dramatic cliffs shaped by ancient eruptions.

At low tide, you’ll catch the wet rocks mirroring the sky beautifully. Besides, it is located near major hotel areas, so you can reach there easily on foot or by a quick ride.

Keep these in mind:

• Wear non-slip shoes. The volcanic rocks can be really slippery. If you’re going in summer, bring bug spray.
• Sunrise usually occurs between 6:00 – 6:30 AM. But show up half an hour early (around 5:30 AM).

3. Catch Sunset at Dishui Danping

• Location: Southwest coast of Weizhou (Dishui Village)
• Best for: Sea erosion cliffs & sunset views
• Hours: Peak season (May – Oct) 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; off-season (Nov – Apr the next year) 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Best time to go: 5:30 – 6:00 PM

Dishui Danping offers a unique chance to touch the millions-of-years-old volcanic rock personally. You can expect to see all Weizhou Island’s natural wonders here – sandy beach, rolling vaves, reef rocks, sea caves and  thetrails left by ancient volcanic lava flows.

Many visitors regard it as the spot for the best sunset views on the island. When the sunset casts its glow across the reef rocks, and paints the sky in shades of crimson, the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful.

Useful tip: Dishui Village, the island’s main tourism hub, sits right behind the beach. High-end seaview hotels, boutique homestays, seafood restaurants, and cafés all gather here within a five-minute walk.

4. Dive into Weizhou’s Underwater World

• Cost: Near-shore diving about CNY 300 or USD 44/person; Boat diving about CNY 500 or USD 71/person .
• Best spots: Shiluokou (shore dive, light currents), Crocodile Mouth (boat dive, shallow reefs, great ecology), North Port (snorkeling, coral reefs), Zhuzailing (2 – 8m deep, lots of crabs & conchs)
• Best time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

When people think diving, they think Sanya. But Weizhou is totally underrated. Winter temps here are 15 – 22°C, and coral coverage hits 50%, with underwater visibility from 8 to 25 meters. Expect tropical fish swimming right past you, and corals shift colors as sunlight hits them.

5. Step Inside the 100-Year-Old Church

• Ticket: Free
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (plan 1 – 2 hours)
• Getting there: Scooter is best. Ride 20 – 30 min from town center to Shengtang Village (about 8 km).
• Dress code: No sleeveless tops or revealing clothes. Covered shoulders required.

The Catholic church sits in Shengtang Village in northeast Weizhou. Built in 1853, it was the first church in the Beihai area built by the Paris Foreign Missions Society. It’s also a popular photo spot because the thick stone walls, arched windows, and bell tower look especially dramatic under natural light.

Next to the church is the island’s busiest hub with shops and cafes. When you are tired, grab a latte made from local volcanic soil beans at a retro cafe.

6. Visit Houbeitang Village & Try Hakka Heritage Crafts

Houbeitang Village sits in northern Weizhou. It is quiet and full of old coral-stone houses. Compared with the crowded coastal hotspots, Houbeitang remains peaceful despite located near major attractions and beach areas. In addition, the village also offers authentic cultural experiences.

• Traditional brewing (CNY 50 – 150 or USD 7 – 21/person): Locals make wine from bananas or sweet potatoes. You can help brew and seal your own bottle to take home.
• Shell carving (CNY 50 – 150 or USD 7 – 21/person): You can turn colorful shells into waves or volcano patterns. Kids love this activity, so it is perfect for families.

7. Feast on Local Flavors – Seafood, Noodles & Sweet Soups

The absolute must-try in the island are Nanwan Street’s DIY seafood, the signature crab noodles, and the local sweet soup. Peak mantis shrimp season runs from May to October, with prices around CNY 12 – 20 or USD 1.5 – 3/kg.

A wise option is to choose fresh seafood from the Nanwan Street farmers’ market, and cook them at a shop nearby. They typically charge between CNY 10 – 60 / USD 1.5 – 9 per dish.

Related reading: Must-Try Dishes in Guangxi’s Top Destinations

8. Hit Up Shell Beach for Treasures and Views

Shell Beach is the longest shoreline on Weizhou Island that enjoys a fully relaxed atmosphere. It stretches along the eastern coast with soft sand mixed with shells and corals. It is directly connected to the island’s ring road, easy to reach by bike or e-scooter.

The beach offers both perfect sunrise and sunset viewpoints. The eastern side is ideal for sunrise, and the northwest end near Lanqiao Pier is a well-known sunset spot.

9. Ride along the Huandao Road / Colorful Road Like a Pro

The best way to experience Weizhou Island is on an e-scooter. And the island’s gentle south-to-north slope makes cycling especially easy and offers great views.

Recommended cycling routes

• Small loop (about 30 km): A newly paved coastal circuit connecting key southern attractions with the Catholic Church area. You’ll ride along the Colorful Highway lined with banana trees, enjoying a smooth, shaded cruise with frequent seaside viewpoints.
• Big loop (about 35 km): A full island circuit covering major highlights including Wucai Beach, the Catholic Church, Shell Beach, Blue Bridge views, and quiet fishing villages, ideal for a complete island exploration.

10. Geek Out at the Geological Museum

• Ticket: Free
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 18:00

If you want to understand Weizhou Island’s dramatic geological history, the Geological Museum is the place to go. It’s China’s first island volcano museum, with the island’s volcanic rocks and marine ecosystems presented. An even better part about it is that they’ve got a WeChat AR mini-program that literally turns learning into an interesting game.

11. Take Great Photos

Stunning photo opportunities are everywhere on Weizhou Island. Just imagine volcanic rocks as your backdrop, glassy seas as your filter, sunsets doing all the lighting work. Every click could be your new wallpaper. Below are some top recommended spots for great photos.

How to Maximize Your Visit to Weizhou Island

Transportation within the Island

If you want to get around Weizhou Island, renting an e-scooter is the easiest and most flexible way. The roads are fully paved with asphalt.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are relatively not limited on the island.

Sightseeing carts only operate on fixed routes and ideal for people who mainly visit the core attractions.

See more detailed transportation information below:

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Weizhou Island depends on what you want from the trip.

• Overall best season: April to June & September to November. The two periods offer ideal conditions for outdoor exploration and cycling.
• Best time for water activities: May to October, when water temperatures are warm and visibility is good for snorkeling and diving.
• Best time for seafood: Seafood is available year-round, but it is freshest during April to October.
• Best time for fewer tourists & lower cost: April, early June, late September, and November. Avoid peak holidays such as May Day, summer vacation (July – August), and National Day.

How Long to Spend & Recommended Visiting Routes

Weizhou Island covers only about 25km² but it offers a remarkably dense mix of volcanic landscapes, beaches, villages, and cultural sites. The attractions cluster in the south (Crocodile Mountain Volcano Park, Nanwan seafood hub), the west (Shiluokou Beach, Dishui Danping for sunsets), the east (Wucai Beach for sunrise), and the north-central (Catholic Church, Shell Beach).

Typically, a 2 – 3 days Weizhou Island tour is enough to hit the highlights without rushing. One day is possible but feels like a sprint.

Recommended 3-day routes:

• Day 1: Hike the volcanic craters of Crocodile Mountain – catch a vibrant sunset at Dripping Danping – enjoy a seafood dinner at Nanwan Market
• Day 2: Starts with a sunrise at Colorful Beach – visit the historic Catholic Church – relax at Shell Beach – have a quiet dinner in the Blue Bridge area
• Day 3: Rent an e-scooter, cycle along the Colorful Road – do some souvenir shopping at Nanwan Street – taking the ferry back to Beihai

Recommended tour

3 DAYS

Beihai and Weizhou Island Beach Tour

Explore This Tour

Essential Tips

• Water sports: Only book at official shops in Shiluokou or Dishui Danping. Make sure they have a license and life jackets.
• Seafood scams: Avoid roadside stalls luring you with cheap deals. Pick busy local restaurants with clear prices, or just eat at your guesthouse.
• Signal: 4G works in main areas, but remote spots like north Shell Beach have weak signal. Better download offline maps before you go.
• Bugs and meds: Bring repellent to prevent yourself from mosquito mayhem. Also, seasickness pills, stomach meds, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and fever meds are necessary as island clinics are basic.
• Book ferry tickets EARLY: Use the “Laiyouba” WeChat mini-program (the ONLY official channel) to book tickets 1 – 15 days in advance. For international tourists, bring your passport for real-name ticketing at the counter.
• What to Buy on Weizhou Island: Seaweed egg yolk pastry, volcano rock tea, banana chicken jerky, pearl jewelry

Hotels on Weizhou Island

Weizhou Island has come a long way from basic guesthouses. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly family-run inns to jaw-dropping luxury retreats perched on volcanic cliffs. Most accommodations are boutique-style, featuring cozy courtyards, tropical gardens, and rooms with ocean views.

Price ranges:

Recommended Hotels

1. Dhawa Beihai Weizhou Island (with shell crafting activity): Just 3 minutes by car from the ferry terminal, and 20 minutes from most attractions.
2. Weizhou Island Gangda Hotel: The island’s first four-star hotel, located in the Hongqijie commercial center right next to Nanwan Port.
3. Beihai Jialai Weizhou North Coast Seaview Hotel: A blend of business and resort vibes, the hotel sits close to the beach. Its restaurant serves Weizhou-style Cantonese cuisine and offers seafood processing services.

Plan Your Weizhou Island Tour with China Xian Tour

Now you get the top highlights of Weizhou Island and are better prepared for a trip here. Besides Weizhou Island, there are many other natural and cultural wonders in Guangxi to impress you.

You can explore the century-old Qilou Old Street in Beihai, venture to the Detian Waterfall and Tongling Grand Canyon, or get lost in the scenic beauty of Mingshi Scenic Area and Guilin.

Don’t let the logistics and trip planning bother you. China Xian Tour, with over 20 years of expertise on trip planning around China, is always ready to offer you expert tips and support. You just need to tell us your schedule and interests, we can customize the trip 100% based on your requests.

FAQs about Weizhou Island

Can I swim in the sea of Weizhou Island?

Yes, but only in one place. Shiluokou Beach is the only officially designated swimming area on the island as it has lifeguards and safety facilities.

Is it safe to travel alone?

Absolutely. Weizhou Island is very safe for solo travelers, even for first-timers. But also, remember to lock your scooter, not to leave valuables on the beach.

Is Weizhou Island expensive?

Not really. It depends on your style. A solo budget traveler can get by on CNY 300 – 400/day (USD 42 – 57). A couple staying in mid-range hotels and eating well might spend CNY 800 – 1,000/day (USD 114 – 125).