Weizhou

Weizhou (涠洲岛 Wéizhōu Dǎo) is China's biggest and youngest volcanic island. It lies 39 km south of Beihai city in the Gulf of Tonkin, an arm of the South China Sea. With about 6 km from north to south and 5 km from east to west, the island covers a land area of about 25 km².

Understand
Weizhou Island is as national park. The admission fee is ¥120 (¥65 in winter's off-season) and must be paid while entering the island at the harbour (Xijiao Matou). The entrance ticket covers the whole island and is valid for the entire stay.

Formed by volcanic eruptions about 7,000 years ago Weizhou Island has a unique geological and geomorphologic landscape. The sea around Weizhou is rich in corals and other aquatic animals. Its subtropical monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of 22.6°C and an annual average rainfall of about 1380mm causes moderate summers and mild winters.

Except for Chinese national holidays, Weizhou Island is not heavily touristed. Chinese tourists come here on daily trips and over weekends, but rarely stay longer. The island offers various scenic spots, a Gothic-style catholic cathedral, good and inexpensive seafood and wide beautiful beaches. It is ideal for relaxing and having a rest. Even the nightlife on Weizhou is less revelry than having a good time in one of its bars located in South Bay (NanWan) or a nice BBQ while enjoying the summer breeze from the sea.

If you travel with foreign bank cards, bring enough cash for your entire stay on the island. The only ATM on the island (in NanWan) will accept Chinese bank cards only and the local bank branch does not exchange foreign money either.

When planning a trip to Weizhou the weather forecast should be checked in advance. During heavy sea Weizhou Island can neither be reached nor left due to no ferries driving.

English is not widespread on Weizhou. As English is a school subject younger local people and children will be pleased to have a little English chat with foreign visitors. The dialect on Weizhou differs greatly from northern China's Mandarin. However, there are quite a lot of people who speak Mandarin, too.

Get in
Ferries to Weizhou depart daily from Beihai International Passenger Terminal (北海国际客运港) scheduled at 08:30, 12:00 and 15:30, and take between 60 and 90 min. First class ¥180/trip. Second class ¥150/trip. In tourist season there may be more ferries, and during heavy sea, none. Check local sources for an updated schedule. The ticket counter closes 15 minutes before departure, and due to possible lengthy ticket queues it is advisable to arrive with plenty of time to spare.

Get around
The island has an impressive fleet of motor tricycles (¥5-30 per trip, ¥100 to hire for the day). The tricycle drivers rarely speak English. For exploring the island on one's own, motor scooters (¥120/day) and e-bikes (¥80/day) can be rented as well, whereas bicycles can no more be rented on the island, despite some neat bike tracks at the newly constructed island ring road. The deposit for renting is between ¥200 and ¥300. The renting prices may rise during Chinese national holidays.

Buy
Weizhou Island offers a wide range of seafood, cheap and sweet little bananas and adornment made of shells and pearls. The biggest food, fruits and seafood market is located in Weizhou's South Bay (NanWan). A smaller market is located in Shengtang Village in front of the Catholic Cathedral. Small shops spread all around the island offer snacks, beverages and Chinese convenience products.



Eat
Smaller eateries and bigger restaurants are scattered all over the island. Weizhou is famous for its good and cheap seafood and its bananas. Seafood can be bought at South Bay's seafood market. Local eateries will prepare it for about ¥15-20 a dish. Other restaurants have their own selection of living sea animals that can be chosen by their guests and will be prepared in time. The seafood prices vary depending on the rareness of the seafood, the catch of the day and the weather conditions. Cheap (seafood) BBQ is available in daytime at West Beach (Shiluokou) and in the late evening at the dockside of South Bay's seafood market. Groups can also book goat BBQ.

Drink
In daytime, cold beverages are available in small shops all over the island. The most bars on Weizhou are located in its South Bay.

Sleep

 * As in other places in China, websites and apps like ctrip list accommodation for Weizhou.
 * Hotels and smaller guest houses are scattered all over the island, but the majority are at the South Bay and the village near the Shiluodi Beach, where you also find restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

Connect
Lodgings with Wi-Fi internet access are becoming increasingly prevalent on the island, so it shouldn't be hard to find one to stay at if you wish to stay connected during your trip.



Go next
Ferries from Weizhou to Beihai leave daily from the harbour (西角码头 Xījiǎo Mǎtóu) at 10:15, 14:30, 17:15. Tickets can be purchased up to one day in advance, check the local schedule for updated times. First class ¥180/trip. Second class ¥150/trip. In tourist season may be more ferries, during heavy sea none.