Weizhou Island: A Trip That Broke My Bank (and My Expectations)

Weizhou Island Travel Guide I. Introduction to Weizhou Island's Main Attractions 1. Crocodile Mountain Crater Geopark • Features: One of Weizhou Island's most famous attractions, boasting China's most diverse volcanic landscape. The park preserves complete relics of volcanic activity, including a volcanic crater, sea cliffs, and wave-cut platforms, showcasing the wonders of nature. • Recommended for: Those interested in learning about Weizhou Island's volcanic history and geology. It's also a great spot for photographers to capture unique volcanic landscapes. 2. Colorful Beach • Features: Named for the colorful scenery created by the interplay of moss and seawater on the wave-cut platform. This is the best place to watch the sunrise. As the morning sun shines down, the entire beach seems to be covered with a layer of tulle, making for a breathtaking view. • Recommended for: Visitors who enjoy waking up early to watch the sunrise and enjoy the tranquility of the beach. 3. Shiluo Kou Beach • Features: With clear waters and a wide, soft sandy beach, Shiluo Kou is one of the best places on Weizhou Island for swimming and diving. It's also a great place to watch the sunset. As the sun sets, the sea and sky merge into one, creating a stunning view. • Recommended for: Visitors who enjoy water activities and coastal scenery. 4. Dripping Water Cliffs • Features: Named for the water that drips from the cliffs year-round, forming a curtain of water. This is also an excellent location for watching the sunset. The afterglow of the setting sun casts a moving picture on the water curtain. • Recommended for: Visitors who enjoy hiking and natural scenery. 5. Catholic Church • Features: Built in 1880, this is the largest Gothic building on the Guangxi coast. The church is ornately decorated inside and out, filled with a strong religious atmosphere and a sense of history. • Recommended for: Visitors interested in history, culture, and taking photos. 6. Nanwan Street • Features: The commercial center of Weizhou Island, Nanwan Street is home to a variety of seafood restaurants, snack bars, and specialty shops. The street is brightly lit and bustling at night, making it a great place to experience the local nightlife. • Recommended for: Visitors who enjoy shopping and trying local cuisine. II. Local Customs and Culture Weizhou Island is an island dominated by fishing culture. The islanders are warm and hospitable, preserving their traditional fishing lifestyle. Visitors can enjoy authentic seafood dishes, such as steamed grouper and salt and pepper mantis shrimp. You can also visit fishermen's houses to learn about the local fishing culture and customs. In addition, Weizhou Island has a unique volcanic culture and Catholic culture, providing visitors with a rich cultural experience. III. One-Day Itinerary Morning: • 08:00 - 09:00: Take a ferry from Beihai City to Weizhou Island (approx. 1–2 hrs). After arriving, check in to your hotel and leave your luggage. • 09:00 - 11:00: Visit Crocodile Mountain Crater Geopark and admire the volcanic relics and spectacular coastal landforms. • 11:00 - 12:00: Go to Colorful Beach and enjoy the colorful wave-cut platform and the beautiful sunrise (weather permitting). Lunch: • 12:00 - 13:30: Have lunch on Nanwan Street and sample the local seafood. Afternoon: • 13:30 - 15:00: Visit Shiluo Kou Beach, enjoy the coastal scenery, and go swimming or diving (weather and water temperature permitting). • 15:00 - 16:30: Go to Dripping Water Cliffs, hike to admire the unique dripping water landscape and charming coastline, and watch the sunset (time permitting). • 16:30 - 17:30: Visit the Catholic Church and learn about the local history, culture, and religious atmosphere. • 17:30 - 18:30: Free time on Nanwan Street for shopping or snacks. Evening: • 18:30 - onwards: Take the ferry back to Beihai City, concluding your enjoyable one-day trip to Weizhou Island. Things to Note: • As the attractions on Weizhou Island are scattered, it is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and allocate your time accordingly. • When visiting Weizhou Island in the summer, take precautions against sunburn and heatstroke. • Book ferry tickets and hotels in advance to avoid delays. IV. Recommended Local Specialties • Steamed Grouper: Grouper is abundant in the waters around Weizhou Island. The fish is tender and tastes best when steamed. • Salt and Pepper Mantis Shrimp: Mantis shrimp is one of Weizhou Island's specialty seafood dishes. The salt and pepper preparation makes it crispy and delicious. • Spicy Crab: Made with fresh sea crabs stir-fried with chili peppers and other spices, this dish is spicy, fragrant, and delicious. • Grilled Oysters: Weizhou Island's oysters are plump and taste even better when grilled. • Banana Pork Twice-cooked: Weizhou Island's specialty banana pork is tender and, when cooked with twice-cooked pork, creates a unique flavor. V. Essential Packing List • Documents: ID card, student ID (if applicable), health code, etc. • Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, umbrella, etc. Weizhou Island has strong UV rays, so sun protection is essential. • Swimsuit and Change of Clothes: If you plan to participate in water activities, bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes. • Common Medications: Motion sickness medication, stomach medicine, cold medicine, band-aids, and other common medications. • Other Items: Charger, portable charger, camera, selfie stick, and other electronic devices; sufficient cash and bank cards; comfortable shoes and clothing, etc.