Weizhou Island

​Overview​​
​​Weizhou Island​​ (Chinese: 涠洲岛), a ​​AAAAA-rated scenic area​​, is a ​​24.74 sq km​​ volcanic marvel in the ​​Beibu Gulf​​, celebrated for its ​​turquoise waters​​, ​​lush vegetation​​, and ​​geological wonders​​. Recognized as ​​"China’s Most Beautiful Island"​​ by National Geographic (2005), it blends ​​adventure​​, ​​culture​​, and ​​ecological richness​​.

​​Geological Significance​​

• ​​Volcanic Origins​​: Formed by ​​four eruptions​​ (latest ~3,000 years ago), the island features ​​lava terraces​​, ​​sea caves​​, and ​​petrified coral formations​​. The ​​Nanwan Volcanic Crater​​ showcases ​​basalt pillars​​ and ​​tuff layers​​.
• ​​Unique Landscapes​​:
  • ​​Crocodile Hill​: A ​​UNESCO Global Geopark​​ site with ​​sea-eroded cliffs​​ and ​​lava flows​​.
  • ​​Shiluokou Beach​​: A ​​diving hotspot​​ with ​​acropora coral reefs​​ stretching kilometers.

​​Natural Attractions​​

• ​​Beaches​​:
  • ​​Sesame Beach (Zhimatan)​​: Named for lava fragments resembling sesame seeds; ​​best sunrise spot​​.
  • ​​Drippy Rock Beach​​: Sunset views with ​​cascading vegetation​​ over 10-meter cliffs.
• ​​Marine Life​​: Home to ​​147 bird species​​ (e.g., black-faced spoonbills) and ​​vibrant coral ecosystems​​.

​​Cultural Highlights​​

• ​​Shengtang Catholic Church​​: Built in ​​1870​​ with ​​volcanic rocks​​ and ​​coral​​, this ​​Baroque-style​​ church remains active.
• ​​Zhuang & Hakka Culture​​: Local villages offer ​​stilt-house homestays​​ and ​​seafood feasts​​.

​​Activities​​

• ​​Diving​​: Explore ​​undersea lava tubes​​ and ​​tropical fish​​ (¥100–400; best at ​​3–4 PM​​).
• ​​Boat Tours​​: Visit ​​Xieyang Island​​ (9 km away) for ​​acacia forests​​ and ​​solitude​​.
• ​​Fishing & Crabbing​​: Join locals at low tide to harvest ​​oysters​​ and ​​crabs​​.

​​Practical Information​​

• ​​Access​​:
  • ​​From Beihai​​: ​​70-minute ferry​​ (¥120–180; departs 8:30 AM, returns 3:30 PM).
  • ​​Entry Fee​​: ​​¥115/adult​​ (covers all景点).
• ​​Accommodation​​:
  • ​​Penglai Hotel​​: Sea-view rooms at ​​¥180/night​​.
  • ​​Family Inns​​: Budget-friendly (​​¥20–100/night​​) with ​​home-cooked meals​​.
• ​​Best Time​​: ​​April–November​​ for calm seas; avoid ​​typhoon season​​ (July–September).

​​Conservation Efforts​​

• ​​Eco-Initiatives​​: ​​Coral reef restoration​​ (30 hectares repaired) and ​​"Zero Waste Island"​​ programs.
• ​​Awards​​: ​​National Geopark​​ (2009), ​​"Beautiful China Top 10 Marine Destinations"​​ (2018).

​​Pro Tips​​

• ​​Sun Protection​​: High UV index; wear ​​hats​​ and ​​reef-safe sunscreen​​.
• ​​Cash Only​​: No ATMs; carry ​​¥500+​​ for activities.

Weizhou Island’s ​​untamed beauty​​ and ​​sustainable tourism​​ make it a ​​must-visit​​ for global travelers seeking ​​adventure​​ and ​​tranquility​​.