Weizhou Island
Island Volcanic island in Gulf of Tonkin with beaches
Off Guangxi’s coast, Weizhou Island is a volcanic islet known for basalt formations, black-sand coves and seafood; visitors come for beaches, boat trips and coastal geology.
Weizhou Island is a volcanic island in the Beibu Gulf (Gulf of Tonkin) off the coast of Beihai in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. It is the largest island in Guangxi and is notable for its volcanic geology and coastal landforms.
The island features basalt cliffs, volcanic cones and sandy beaches, and supports fishing villages and tourism facilities concentrated around coastal settlements. Visitors go for coastal scenery, seafood and to see volcanic features along the shoreline.
Formed by volcanic activity, Weizhou has a recorded history of settlement and maritime activity and today is administered as part of Beihai city. The island’s volcanic origins are responsible for its distinctive rock formations and black basalt outcrops.
Weizhou Island sits in the northern South China Sea (Beibu Gulf), under the jurisdiction of Beihai city in Guangxi, and is reached by ferry services from the Beihai mainland.
- Ferry access: Ferries run regularly from Beihai on the mainland; travel times vary by vessel and sea conditions.
How to Get to Weizhou Island #
Weizhou Island (Weizhou Dao) is served by ferries from Beihai on the Guangxi coast. From Beihai city take a local bus or taxi to the Beihai ferry terminal (the port serving Weizhou Island) and board a passenger ferry to the island; crossings typically take around 1.5-2 hours depending on vessel and sea conditions.
Once on Weizhou Island, the main villages and sights are reached on foot, by local shuttle or taxi from the ferry pier.
Tips for Visiting Weizhou Island #
- Take one of the earliest ferries from Beihai/Weizhou ferry terminal so you arrive before day-trip crowds and have better light for photographing the volcanic coast.
- Check tide and weather forecasts before setting out - the island's coastal rock formations and some walking routes are best seen at low tide and in calm conditions.
- Make time to explore the island's volcanic rock formations and western cliffs rather than sticking to the main town shoreline; these areas are the island's most distinctive landscapes and are often overlooked by short-stay visitors.
Best Time to Visit Weizhou Island #
Visit Weizhou Island in the cooler, drier months (October-April) for more comfortable conditions and calmer seas.
Weather & Climate near Weizhou Island #
Weizhou Island's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1557 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 21 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (204 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (231 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (246 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (308 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (188 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
