Four Days, Three Nights in Beihai: Sunsets, Waves, and 18 Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

As a travel enthusiast who has visited nine coastal cities including Dalian, Qingdao, Xiamen, and Sanya, I thought I had become immune to ocean views. That is, until I set foot on Weizhou Island—a land formed by volcanic eruptions and solidified lava. That experience made me believe again: some moments of awe are destined to happen when you least expect them.

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet—over four days and three nights, I embarked on a journey through Beihai and Weizhou Island filled with color, adventure, and serendipity. If you're a budget-conscious traveler with limited time and a tight wallet, making your first trip to the island, this guide might help you avoid unnecessary detours and maximize the surprises along the way.

Pre-Trip Preparation: Seize the Best Timing and Avoid Hidden Pitfalls

Best Time to Go: Spring and Autumn Are Most Pleasant

The golden period for visiting Beihai runs from April to November. Summer is overcrowded, while winter feels a bit too quiet. I chose to travel during the fifth day of the Lunar New Year holiday to avoid the peak crowd. Although there were still quite a few tourists, the weather was perfect—the winter sea breeze carried a hint of summer warmth, neither too hot nor too cold, just right.

One thing worth noting: ticket prices for Weizhou Island vary between peak and off-peak seasons. During off-peak season, you can save 30 yuan. If your schedule is flexible, it's better to avoid the summer rush.

Ferry Tickets: Book a Week in Advance to Secure Your Spot

Departing from Guangzhou, I caught the earliest high-speed train, D3706, which left at 9:00 AM and arrived at Beihai Station at 2:21 PM. After exiting the station, I took Bus No. 3 (supports WeChat Pay) directly to "Beihai International Passenger Port." The ride took less than an hour.

Important note: Ferry tickets must be booked in advance! I purchased mine a week ahead through "Laiyouba" (the official platform). The cheapest ticket was 150 yuan, and it could not be changed or refunded. Buying tickets on-site is extremely risky—when I arrived, the screen showed that most seats were already sold out. The cabins are divided into three levels; the 150-yuan ticket is usually for the first level, and prices increase with each higher level. The fast ferry takes about 70 minutes, while the slow ferry takes 100–120 minutes.

I ended up booking the 5:00 PM departure on the Beiyou 15 by chance. During the 100-minute journey, I unexpectedly encountered a sunset over the sea—in February, the sun sets in Beihai around 6:37 PM.

What to Bring to the Island: Pack Your Own Snacks, Skip the Local Products

Apart from seafood and bananas (you must try the small 小米蕉, or "mini bananas"!), everything else on Weizhou Island—including daily necessities and food—is shipped in by sea, so prices are generally about 4 yuan higher than in the city. It's advisable to bring your own snacks, which saves both money and hassle.

When leaving the island, many people buy large quantities of dried seafood products and egg-yolk pastries. But locals told me that most of these items are actually shipped from Beihai and are cheaper to buy in the city. In the end, I only took away a bunch of mini bananas—5 yuan for a large bunch, each one small enough to eat in a single bite, with a unique flavor.

Day 1: Heading to Weizhou Island and Encountering a Sunset at Sea

An Unexpected Surprise on the Ferry

To be honest, the interior of the ferry was nothing special—small windows with limited views. But once the boat set sail, you could go up on deck to feel the sea breeze and watch the turquoise waves churning behind the stern, leaving Beihai city far behind.

Taking the evening ferry to catch a sunset at sea—this was one of the best decisions I made on this trip. Countless travel guides argue about which beach on the island offers the best sunset views, but I'd say that watching the sunset from the ferry is no less stunning. The weather forecast for Weizhou Island is unreliable—sun, rain, and fog are all up to fate, and sunsets are especially unpredictable.

As we approached the shore, I unexpectedly caught a full view of the popular "Blue Bridge"—a bridge over 2 kilometers long that is not open to pedestrians and can only be viewed from a distance on the island. Seeing it from the ferry was an unexpected bonus.

Arriving at West Cape Pier: The Island of Penglai at Nightfall

The sky was growing dark, with only a thin golden line remaining. Fishing boats lay lazily on the sea, and tiny lights began to twinkle in the distance. Weizhou Island is the youngest volcanic island in China in terms of geological age, rich in marine erosion, marine deposition, and lava landscapes, earning it the nickname "Island of Penglai."

To enter the island, you need to buy a ticket—less than 100 yuan during off-peak season, 120 yuan during peak season. Journalists, island residents, and others with valid credentials can enter for free. Right next to the ticket checkpoint, there are places to rent electric scooters, but considering their limited speed and the long distances between attractions, riding them isn't actually very efficient.

Accommodation Options: Pros and Cons of the East and West Coasts

I stayed at the Beihai Weizhou Island Haichao Youth Hostel (YHA) in Dishui Village. It was conveniently located, less than a 10-minute walk to Dishui Danping. The front desk guy was very welcoming, and the hostel offered kitchen access for seafood cooking, electric scooter rentals, and even had cats—a bonus for feline lovers! There I met a girl named Xiao Hui who was great at taking photos, and we ended up traveling together—another wonderful surprise.

Accommodation advice: If you want to watch the sunrise, stay on the east coast (Wucai Beach, Shell Beach); if you want to watch the sunset, stay on the west coast (Dishui Danping, Shiluokou, Muya Cliff). The hostel owner told me that clear-sky sunrises on the island are rare, while catching the sunset on the west coast is much easier. However, staying on the east coast saves you the trouble of getting up early and rushing over.

Beware of the "sea view room" trap: In Dishui Village, for example, most guesthouses are separated from the sea by a row of buildings, so you can't actually see the ocean up close. There are a few inns right next to Dishui Danping Beach, but the views are still mediocre. Before booking, make sure to ask about the exact location and the orientation of the room.

Day 2: E-Tricycle Island Tour, Diverse Beaches, and a Cliffside Sunset

Transportation Options: The E-Scooter Isn't the Only Answer

Many guides recommend renting an electric scooter, but in practice, the island has many slopes and heavy traffic between attractions. If you're not an experienced rider, it can be unsafe. Rental costs range from 60 to 80 yuan per day, and you also have to pay a parking fee.

I recommend electric tricycles—150 yuan for a full day, seating 4–6 people. A local driver takes you around the island, covering all the main attractions. You can hop on and off as you please, and the driver will come pick you up. They're several times faster than e-scooters and offer a fantastic open-air experience. Most hostel owners can help arrange one.

Think twice about the tourist bus pass: The routes are limited, connections between attractions are poor, and usage frequency is very low. Unless you're staying on the island for a long time, it's not worth it.

Crocodile Mountain: The Essence of Volcanic Geology

We set out at 8:00 AM, with our first stop at Crocodile Mountain—the only scenic spot on the island (aside from the ferry terminal) that requires a ticket check, and also the highlight that sets Weizhou Island apart from other domestic coastal islands. Early in the morning, there were few people, and the tour groups hadn't arrived yet, making for an excellent photography experience.

The hillsides were bursting with blooming bougainvillea, creating a vibrant contrast with the lush green trees and the deep blue sea. Walking from the hilltop down to the coastal boardwalk, we passed a statue commemorating Tang Xianzu, the famous Ming dynasty playwright. The coastal boardwalk and volcanic remains were the real highlights—the feeling of having the entire place to ourselves was incredible, as if the whole sea belonged to us.

The marine erosion landscape is highly developed, with seawater carving the rocks into countless fascinating shapes. When we reached Moon Bay and the lighthouse, the waves were quite strong, and swimming was not allowed, nor were there any water activities. Looking down from above, the seawater was crystal clear, like a painting.

We left the scenic area around 10:00 AM, just as large crowds of tourists were arriving—so glad we had finished our visit.

Shiluokou and Wucai Beach: Each Beach Has Its Own Charm

Shiluokou Beach wasn't too crowded. You can enjoy activities like diving and speedboat rides. The beach was covered in seaweed and shells of various colors and shapes—but because of all the shells, walking barefoot is not recommended.

Wucai Beach (formerly known as Sesame Beach) is famous for its small black pebbles, which look spectacular under sunlight during low tide. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't great when we visited. Explore during low tide: We arrived during rising tide, so the water hadn't fully receded yet. The seawater was up to our knees. We climbed over the rocks along the sea cave direction, carefully stepping on the slippery moss, and finally managed to capture a unique perspective of the cave. The rocks here are covered in moss, so be sure to wear non-slip shoes.

Shell Beach and the Catholic Church: Tranquility on the East Coast

Shell Beach has the longest coastline on Weizhou Island, with fine, white, soft sand and gentle waves. Walking barefoot on the sand while feeling the sea breeze was the best experience.

Shengtang Catholic Church is not far from Shell Beach. Built by a French priest and completed in 1880, it is a Gothic-style structure. Listen to the choir sing—we happened to catch a performance, and the entire wall of flowers made for a great photo backdrop.

Muya Cliff: A Sunset Painting on a Precipitous Cliff

At 4:30 PM, we crossed the island to Muya Cliff, recommended by Xiao Hui as a must-visit spot for photographers capturing sunsets. The combination of rocks, cliffs, coastline, and the setting sun created a stunning seascape. The sea stretched out to the horizon at a 180-degree or even 270-degree angle, making you feel as if you were at the edge of the world.

The cliff was covered in cacti, so if you're wearing a skirt, be careful. Climbing over the observatory in the distance, the other side led to Shiluokou Beach. That's the thing about Weizhou Island's beaches—they're all connected yet each has its own unique beauty, endlessly fascinating.

That day wasn't perfectly clear; the morning had been overcast. But in the evening, we encountered the "Light of Jesus"—the sun broke through the clouds, casting fine golden rays onto the sea, a scene so beautiful it was intoxicating. Everyone sat on the cliffside lawn, facing the ocean, eagerly waiting for the sunset.

The world is vast, and those things we once thought we couldn't let go of—what's there really to hold onto?

That evening, we went to Dishui Danping Beach to watch fireworks. During the Spring Festival, fireworks were going off all over the island in various shapes and forms, creating a lively atmosphere. We also bought sparklers to play with. Despite the strong sea breeze, the sparklers lit up easily, their star-like flames dreamlike and enchanting.

Day 3: Saying Goodbye to Weizhou Island at Dishui Danping, Eating Our Way Through Beihai's Old Street

One Last Look at Dishui Danping

I woke up early, had a bowl of seafood congee, and walked over to Dishui Danping. It was the second day of a cold snap in Beihai, with strong sea breezes, so I wrapped myself up tightly. It felt great to have the place nearly to myself. Distant fishing boats rose and fell with the waves, while nearby there were few pedestrians. I walked along, listening to music, trying to etch the sound of the waves into my memory.

Dishui Danping, originally called Dishui Rock (Dripping Rock), has a cliff face where water constantly seeps through cracks between rock layers, dripping down like a beaded curtain. Even on an overcast day, the blue-and-white sea and sky still showed layers of different shades—white, gray, blue-gray, light blue, deep blue, blue-violet—like an overturned palette.

Leaving the Island: The Special Bus Is Most Convenient

After checking out, I walked to the Crocodile Mountain Visitor Center to send some postcards (they have many souvenir stamps to collect). There were buses and sightseeing cars available. Along the way, many electric tricycle drivers tried to flag me down, but if you're just heading back to the ferry terminal, the special bus is the most convenient option—especially for solo travelers.

The 3:00 PM ferry had a long queue at the terminal. The wind was strong that day, and the temperature had dropped to single digits—I felt like this was the coldest Beihai got all year. Just the day before, people had been wearing short sleeves; now many were bundled up in down jackets.

Accommodation and Transportation in Beihai: The Silver Beach Trap

I booked a hotel in a villa complex near Silver Beach in Beihai. The environment was nice, but the straight-line distance to Silver Beach Scenic Area matters a lot—my hotel was located to the north, and I had to walk 1–2 kilometers every time I wanted to reach the beach. It was exhausting.

Buses run infrequently, but taxis are affordable: The main mode of transportation for locals in Beihai is electric scooters. A taxi from Silver Beach to Old Street costs no more than 30 yuan. It seems that renting an e-scooter isn't just for Weizhou Island—it's also a suitable way to get around downtown Beihai.

Exploring Old Street: A Food Lover's Paradise

How could you visit Guangxi and not try 螺蛳粉 (snail rice noodles)? I searched on Dianping and found Huang Li Ji, not far from Beibuwan Square. A large combo meal with duck feet was only 15 yuan, and they even gave you a free serving of soy milk—that price wouldn't even cover a basic bowl of snail noodles in Beijing.

Old Street is better explored during the day: Historical and cultural sites are either only open during the day or are easier to see clearly in daylight. Aunt Li's Shrimp Cake Shop is a popular online sensation, with a long queue. I had already eaten shrimp cakes on the island, so this time I bought their signature squid balls—large, crispy, with firm and chewy texture. They were really excellent.

Day 4: Golden Bay Mangrove Forest and Silver Beach

On the last day, I visited Golden Bay Mangrove Forest and Silver Beach. The mangrove ecosystem is unique, and the sand at Silver Beach is exceptionally fine and soft—no wonder it's called "the best beach under heaven."

On the return train, I scrolled through the photos on my phone. Four days and three nights—from the sunset at sea to the glow over the cliff, from volcanic remains to the烟火 (fireworks and lively atmosphere) of Old Street—every frame was worth treasuring.

18 Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: A Quick Overview

1. Best time to visit: April to November is ideal; travel during the shoulder season around spring for fewer crowds
2. Ferry tickets: Book a week in advance on "Laiyouba"; tickets cannot be changed or refunded
3. Bring your own snacks: Prices on the island are high, and the ferry ride is long
4. Think twice about the bus pass: Limited routes, low usage frequency
5. Take the evening ferry: You can enjoy the sunset at sea
6. Accommodation choice: Stay on the east coast for sunrise, west coast for sunset
7. Beware of "sea view rooms": Ask about the exact location and room orientation
8. Transportation recommendation: Electric tricycles offer great value for money
9. Get up early: Fewer people, better photo opportunities
10. Explore at low tide: The sea caves at Wucai Beach are worth seeing
11. Catholic Church: Listen to the choir's singing
12. Muya Cliff sunset: The precipitous cliff offers stunning views
13. Leaving the island: The special bus is the most convenient option
14. Think twice about local products: They're cheaper in Beihai city
15. Silver Beach accommodation: Check the distance carefully
16. Buses are hard to catch: Taxis are not expensive
17. Visit Old Street during the day: Cultural sites are clearer
18. Must-try mini bananas: 5 yuan for a large bunch, unique flavor

Final Thoughts

Weizhou Island isn't the kind of place that stuns you at first glance. It requires you to take your time, to look closely. Those unexpected beauties—the sunset from the ferry, the "Light of Jesus" over the cliff, the star-like flames of sparklers—are the most precious scenery of any journey.

If you're also dreaming of an efficient and budget-friendly trip to Beihai, take these 18 tips with you and set off. May your journey be as colorful and dreamlike as the waves of Weizhou Island.