Beihai and Weizhou Island Itinerary: 3-Day Guangxi Beach Getaway

Beihai and Weizhou Island Itinerary: 3-Day Guangxi Beach Getaway

5 min read

Plan your Beihai and Weizhou Island itinerary with beach time, seafood, scenic spots, and whale watching on this 3-day Guangxi coastal trip.

Guangxi Coastal Itinerary: Beach Time in Beihai and Weizhou Island

When people think of Guangxi, stunning karst mountains usually come to mind—but this province also has a beautiful coastline. Stretching from Dongxing to Beihai, it blends border-town vibes with island charm. If you're dreaming of the sea, Beihai is your go-to destination. Spend at least 3 days in this relaxed seaside city enjoying local food and sunshine, or dive deeper—literally—by taking up snorkeling or sea fishing on Weizhou Island. If you're lucky, you might even spot whales near Xieyang Island between February and April, or catch glowing plankton (bioluminescent sea) between April and June.

Itinerary Overview

Route: Nanning – Beihai (1 day) – Weizhou Island (2 days)
Day 1: Beihai Old Street – Liuxia Village – Beihai Silver Beach/Qiaogang Beach – Qiaogang Food Street
Day 2: Beihai – Weizhou Island – Volcano Crater Geopark – Catholic Church – Dishui Danping
Day 3: Colorful Beach – Shell Beach – Xieyang Island
Day 4: Return

Getting Around

Public transport recommended

  • Nanning to Beihai: High-speed train (very convenient)

  • Within Beihai: Public buses, ride-hailing apps like DiDi, and shared bikes are all easy to use. For more flexibility, rent an electric scooter (around ¥50–¥60/day for two people).

  • Beihai to Weizhou Island: Take a ferry from Beihai International Passenger Port. Book in advance during peak season, and watch out for typhoon cancellations.

    • Ferry ticket: ¥150 one way (around 1 hr 20 min)

    • Island entry fee: ¥98

  • Weizhou Island to Xieyang Island: Speedboats are available—ask your guesthouse to help with booking.

Day 1: Beihai – Discover the Old Town Atmosphere

Beihai Old Street

Wander through 200-year-old arcaded buildings (qílóu 骑楼), especially along Zhuhai Road and Zhongshan Road. Zhuhai is a bustling pedestrian street, while parallel Zhongshan Road offers a more local vibe. Don’t miss the historic consulate buildings nearby—especially the former German Consulate.

Liuxia Village

A photogenic, Japanese-style village perfect for a relaxing walk and cute photos—look for swings, jackfruit trees, and snack shops. It’s a nice lunch spot too. Nearby is Guantouling (冠头岭 Guàntóulǐng), a rocky beach with arguably the best sunset views in Beihai.

Beihai Silver Beach & Qiaogang Beach

These long sandy shores are perfect for swimming and sunset watching. Silver Beach (Yíntān 银滩) is more popular—think palm trees, fine white sand, and clear water. For fewer crowds and great photo spots (especially for wedding shoots), head to Qiaogang Beach.

Qiaogang Food Street

Don’t miss this culinary gem—especially for authentic Vietnamese food like Yue Shoushi and Sabah Town. Beihai seafood is a must-try too:

  • Yuexiang Xiaochu (越乡小厨): Excellent full meals

  • Youjian Bingshi (有间冰室): Great for snacks and sea snails
    Top desserts: try Gangwan Sugar Soup (港湾糖水) , Youjian Bingshi , or Building 24 Sugar Soup (24幢糖水)

Where to Stay in Beihai

  • Beibu Gulf No.1 (北部湾一号): Lots of seaside guesthouses and hotels

  • Haitai Villa Area (海泰别墅区): Near Qiaogang, Silver Beach, and ferry terminal; over 100 different boutique stays

Day 2: Weizhou Island – Explore Guangxi 's Most Beautiful Island

Must-See: Weizhou Island Volcano Crater Geopark

Want to see one of China's youngest volcanic islands? The Volcano Crater Geopark is your answer. You'll find lava formations and fascinating terrain—rent an electric scooter to explore the whole island. Don't miss:

  • Catholic Church: A historical building with Gothic elements

  • Dishui Danping (滴水丹屏): A cliffside lava rock beach with stunning views

Tips:

  • Prices are higher on the island due to transportation costs—expect to pay more for food and daily items.

  • Renting a scooter is the best way to get around. But don’t forget sun protection: hat, sunscreen, long sleeves!

  • Avoid "Muya Cliff (暮崖 Mùyá): Although beautiful, it's not an official attraction and may be dangerous—visit at your own risk.

Where to Stay & Eat on Weizhou Island

  • Best lodging areas:

    • Dishui Village (滴水村): Great for sunsets, near the geopark

    • Shengtang Village (盛塘村): Trendy boutique stays, but farther from the beach

    • Lizhishan Village (荔枝山村): Closer to the sea

    • Nanwan (南湾): Arguably the best overall environment on the island

  • Dining tips:

    • Be careful when buying seafood—some stalls overcharge. Bring a sealed bottle of water to test weight accuracy.

    • The best method: buy from fixed-price stalls in Nanwan and ask your guesthouse to cook it for you (low prep fee).

    • Want to relax? Nanwan has a few cozy bars for a laid-back night.

Day 3: Xieyang Island – Chase the Sunrise, Spot Whales

Route: Colorful Beach – Shell Beach – Xieyang Island

Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Colorful Beach (五彩滩 Wǔcǎitān) —it’s one of the most beautiful views on Weizhou Island. Then hop on a speedboat to Xieyang Island (斜阳岛 Xiéyáng Dǎo) , about 9 nautical miles away. It's a tiny fishing village with just a handful of families and pristine coastal landscapes.

Top Spots on Xieyang Island:

  • Niubidong (牛鼻洞): A rugged sea cave

  • Instagram Tree (网红树): A scenic photo spot

  • East Coast Viewpoints (东海岸): Undeveloped and peaceful

Whale Watching Tip:

Between February and April , whales have been spotted around Xieyang Island—fingers crossed for a lucky encounter!

Xieyang Island Transport & Lodging

  • Round-trip boat fare: ¥280 (approx. 20 minutes each way)

  • Accommodation: Only one guesthouse—No. 10 Xieyangli (斜阳里十号)

  • Food: No restaurants—bring your own snacks and water

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