Weizhou Island, a Young Volcano in the Middle of the Beibu Gulf
Weizhou Island lies in the Beibu Gulf about 36 nautical miles south of Beihai, with the smaller Xieyang Island nine nautical miles to its southeast. Chinese Wikipedia describes it as the largest and geologically youngest volcanic island in China. It covers 24.74 square kilometres, about 6.5 kilometres from north to south, with 36 kilometres of coastline and a high point of 79 metres on the south shore. Around 18,000 people live there, almost all Hakka. Visitors come for the lava coast, two coral-stone churches built by French missionaries, and sunsets on the west side, and most arrive on the ferry from Beihai.
How the island formed
Weizhou was built up by eruptions in the Quaternary period. The land tilts from south to north. The northern half is low hills of lava deposits, and the south is an old crater that the sea has broken into, forming a sheltered harbour. Weizhou town, the main settlement, sits around that bay. Chinese Wikipedia lists volcanic landforms, sea-cut cliffs and caves, traces of ancient earthquakes and storms along the shore, and wide coral reefs in the surrounding water. There are no rivers. Fresh water comes mainly from the Xijiao reservoir in the northwest.
Its value as geology was recognised on 19 March 2004, when the Weizhou Island volcano national geopark was set up in China's third batch. Guangxi had already named the island a regional tourist resort in 1993, and in 2005 Chinese National Geography magazine ranked it second among China's ten most beautiful islands.
Settlers, missionaries and churches
The island has been on the records since the Han dynasty, under Hepu commandery. A Yuan dynasty inspectorate was set up in 1294, and in 1578 farmers were moved in from Leizhou. The Qing cleared the island of people three times between 1662 and 1806. When the ban was lifted in 1867, boat families and settlers came from Leizhou and Lianzhou, and French Catholic missionaries arrived the same year.
They built two churches from the island's coral stone and volcanic rock. The church at Shengtang village was finished in 1880 and the church of Our Lady at Chengzai in 1882, and both still stand. Shengtang, with its tall Gothic front, is the one on most itineraries and is covered by the island ticket. Japan occupied the island from 1938 to 1945 and built an airfield there.
The usual circuit
A 13.6 kilometre ring road circles the island, and visitors get around by electric bike, tricycle taxi or minibus. Nanwan Crocodile Hill, the geopark on the south coast, is the main ticketed site, with crater views, lava rock, sea caves and a lighthouse. Nanning Bendibao notes it is the only place on the island where the ticket is checked, and that you can enter it only once. The Shengtang church area, Shiluokou on the west coast and Dishui Danping are the other sites covered by the same ticket. Dishui Danping, named for its coloured sea cliff that drips water, faces west and is the classic sunset spot. Wucaitan, the colourful beach of cliffs and wave-cut platforms on the east coast, is the sunrise spot, and travel guides describe it as free.
Birds are part of the island's appeal. Weizhou and Xieyang have been a regional bird reserve since 1982, with 147 species recorded, including the endangered black-faced spoonbill. Bryde's whales have been seen in nearby waters in recent years. The island is also a working industrial site. An offshore oil field nearby has produced since 1986, and an oil and gas terminal stands on the north side.
Ferries and the island ticket
Ferries leave from the Beihai International Passenger Port and land at Xijiao pier on the west of the island. Since 27 January 2026 tickets go on sale fifteen days ahead, released at 9:00 each morning, according to several 2026 travel reports that cite the operator. The operator, Beihai Xinyi Cruise, sells through its Laiyouba WeChat account and a newer mini program, and boarding is by ID card. The same reports quote about 150 yuan one way in the lower cabin, more for upper decks, and a crossing of roughly 70 to 110 minutes. Peak-season boats sell out quickly, so buy the return at the same time. Treat these figures as reported and check the operator's notice on the day.
The island ticket is a separate purchase. Bendibao lists 98 yuan for adults and 49 yuan for seniors, minors and students, covering Crocodile Hill, Shengtang, Shiluokou and Dishui Danping. Public swimming areas at Shiluokou and Dishui Danping open from 8:00 to 19:00 between May and October and to 18:00 in winter, adjusted for tides. Do not take volcanic rock or coral off the island, and use only the licensed ferries.
Day trip or overnight
A day trip works if you catch an early boat and keep to Crocodile Hill, the church and one beach. The Beihai guide recommends an overnight if you want both the sunset at Dishui Danping and sunrise on the east coast. Weather decides a lot. Typhoons and strong wind can cancel sailings between May and October, so leave a spare day before any onward train or flight. Back on the mainland, Silver Beach and Qiaogang fill the other city day.
Before you go
- Buy ferry tickets on the official channels as soon as your date opens.
- Carry the ID used for booking, for both the ferry and the island ticket.
- Bring sun protection and grippy shoes for wet lava rock.
- Keep an eye on weather notices from June to October.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry to Weizhou Island?
Reported crossing times are about 70 to 110 minutes, depending on the boat.
Do I need a ticket for the island itself?
Yes. Bendibao lists a 98 yuan adult ticket covering the geopark at Crocodile Hill and three other sites.
Is Weizhou Island worth staying overnight?
An overnight lets you see the west coast sunset and the east coast sunrise and gives a buffer if sailings change.
When is the best time to visit?
The drier months from about November to April are calmer. Summer is busier and more exposed to typhoons.
Sources
Facts in this article were checked against the following sources, retrieved 12 October 2026.
- 涠洲岛, Chinese Wikipedia
- 涠洲岛火山国家地质公园门票就是上岛票吗, Nanning Bendibao
- 涠洲岛船票提前15天开抢, Sina
- Laiyouba ferry site, Beihai Xinyi Cruise
Photos are from Wikimedia Commons under the licences shown in each caption.