01City Guide
Weizhou Island
涠洲岛
All Ages
Admission
Ferry tickets commonly start from CNY 150 one way; Weizhou Island entry ticket is CNY 98.
Typical Visit
1-2 nights recommended; same-day trips are rushed
Quick Facts
Ticket
Free beach access in general; parking, showers, storage, village services, and small facilities may charge separately.
Hours
Open coastal area; visit in daylight and time sunset with tide and weather conditions.
Transport
No direct metro; e-bike, taxi, or bus from Beihai city, with possible traffic controls during busy periods
Duration
1.5-3 hours
Best Time
Clear late afternoons and sunset, with low tide useful for rocky shoreline views
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Choose the right entrance before leaving
Guantouling Beach is not one continuous, fully serviced public bathing beach. Different entrances give very different experiences. For sunset and clearer water, navigate toward the Building 10 area. For traditional photo spots such as the Haikushilan landmark, head toward Building 2.
Tip:Choosing the entrance before departure avoids ending up on the hill or far from the shoreline you wanted.
2
Go in the afternoon
Arrive around 4 pm if possible. You can see the rocks and shoreline first, then wait for sunset. Midday sun is strong, and glare from the rocks makes the visit less comfortable.
Tip:Late afternoon gives you better light and a less tiring visit than midday.
3
Accept the limited facilities
This area has more rocks than sand, and beach space can be limited. Public toilets, showers, storage, shops, and other services are not as complete as at Silver Beach. It is better for photos, rocky coastline views, and sunset than for a polished seaside resort experience.
Tip:Choose Silver Beach instead if your priority is easy swimming, sand, and mature beach services.
4
Prefer an e-bike for transport
Shared or rented e-bikes are the most flexible option, especially during holidays when traffic control may affect access. Taxis can get you there, but calling one back at sunset may be slow. Buses are cheaper, but check the last-bus time in advance.
Tip:Return transport is the main practical risk if you stay until sunset.
Highlights
- Guantouling is more of a rocky coast and sunset spot than a standard sandy beach.
- The Building 10 area is better for sea views, sunset, and white-building photo angles.
- The Building 2 direction has more traditional photo landmarks and may be busier.
- At low tide, you can see rocks, shells, and small crabs, making it suitable for a light tide-pooling experience.
- It pairs well with Liuxia Village for a small afternoon photography and sunset route.
Insider Tips
✦Do not navigate only to Guantouling Park, or you may end up on the hill instead of near the beach entrance.
✦The rocks are very slippery, and shells or barnacles can cut your feet, so wear non-slip shoes.
✦During holidays, roads may be closed or vehicles may be restricted, so allow extra walking time.
✦Showers, storage, parking, village-entry services, or other small services may charge separately; ask before using them.
✦If you want a clean sandy beach, better facilities, and easier swimming, Silver Beach is the better choice.
More Beihai Attractions
02City Guide
Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area
鳄鱼山景区
All Ages
Admission
Included in the CNY 98 Weizhou Island entry ticket; sightseeing vehicle commonly costs around CNY 20 one way.
Typical Visit
2-3 hours
03City Guide
Dishui Danping
滴水丹屏
All Ages
Admission
Included in the CNY 98 Weizhou Island entry ticket.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours
04City Guide
Wucai Beach
五彩滩
All Ages
Admission
Included in the CNY 98 Weizhou Island entry ticket; shuttle to the viewing area commonly costs around CNY 10.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours
05City Guide
Shiluokou Beach
石螺口海滩
All Ages
Admission
Free beach access after entering Weizhou Island; the island entry ticket is CNY 98.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours; longer if waiting for sunset
06Built Heritage
Shengtang Catholic Church
涠洲盛塘天主教堂
All Ages
Admission
Usually no separate main ticket after entering Weizhou Island; the island entry ticket is CNY 98.
Typical Visit
45-60 minutes; 1-2 hours with photos or a village meal