Stop wasting your money! The ultimate guide to Weizhou Island in Beihai from February to March

—Volcanic islands + winter escape + tips to avoid tourist traps, all in one post! 💡Key Points - Advantages of February-March: Fewer crowds and better prices after Lunar New Year, plump seafood, and comfortable temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. - Must-see highlights: Volcanic geological wonders, glass-bottom boat diving, and slow-paced fishing village life. - Warning: The popular "cactus photo frame" has been removed. Please adjust your itinerary accordingly. 1. Itinerary (3 days, 2 nights) 🌟 Day 1: First Impressions of Beihai City - Morning: Arrive in Beihai and check in to a hotel near Silver Beach or Qiaogang Style Street (recommend the Howard Johnson Resort Beihai Silver Beach, the sea view rooms offer stunning views). - Afternoon: Stroll along Silver Beach, known as "the world's best beach," play in the sand, and take photos in the beautiful sunset light. - Evening: Explore Qiaogang Style Street and enjoy must-try dishes like Sister Wang's Seafood (salt and pepper mantis shrimp), Vietnamese crab noodles, and desserts at the Youjian Ice Room. 🌟 Day 2: Exploring Weizhou Island's Volcanoes - Morning: Take a ferry to Weizhou Island (ferry ticket 150 yuan/person + island entry fee 98 yuan), and rent an electric scooter for island travel (60 yuan/day). - Afternoon: - Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area: Explore the volcanic crater and sea cliffs, about a 2-hour hike along the boardwalk. - Dishuidanping: Watch the sunset over the sea, where the red cliffs meet the waves, creating a picturesque scene. - Evening: Choose your own fresh seafood at Nanwan Street Seafood Market and have it cooked on the spot (recommend flower crab and grouper). Enjoy a feast for around 80 yuan per person. 🌟 Day 3: In-depth Island Tour - Morning: Visit Colorful Beach for tide pooling (dig for clams and catch crabs during low tide) and take vintage photos at the Catholic Church. - Afternoon: Collect coral fragments at Shell Beach and capture Instagram-worthy photos of the abandoned ship at Lanqiao Beach. - Evening: Take the ferry back to Beihai, concluding the trip. 2. Unique Activities & Alternative Photo Spots 🔍 Alternatives to the "Cactus Photo Frame" (now removed): Lanqiao Beach shipwreck: The rusty hull creates a striking contrast against the blue sea. Shell Beach church window frame: A photo spot with a ruined aesthetic, perfect for capturing unique shots with fewer crowds. Muya Secret Place (unofficial attraction): Stunning sunset views from the cliff, but exercise caution. 🌿 Immersive Experiences: - Learn to cook banana chicken (a local specialty) in Jipu Village. - Go diving and explore the coral reefs (Shiluokou has the best visibility, around 300 yuan/dive). 3. Transportation & Accommodation Guide 🚢 Ferry Information: - There are 8 ferries daily from Beihai to Weizhou Island. Choose Beiyou 25/26 (larger ferries offer a smoother ride). - Ferries are prone to cancellation due to strong winds in February. Consider purchasing travel insurance. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: - Weizhou Island: Choose a seaside homestay in Dishui Village or Shiluokou (with a balcony for ocean views, around 400 yuan/night). - Beihai City: Hotels near Qiaogang offer convenient access to late-night snacks (recommend Holiday Inn Express, great value for money). 4. Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps ⚠️ Must-read to avoid common pitfalls: Keep an eye on the scales at seafood restaurants to prevent "plastic bag and water weight gain" scams. Bargain for bananas on the island (5 yuan/bunch is a good starting point). Avoid buying souvenirs in tourist areas. Check the battery level of your rented electric scooter before setting off. A full charge is needed for a round-the-island trip (about 60 km). Be wary of tricycle drivers soliciting on the roadside. Use DiDi for more reliable transportation. 🌞 Essential Items: - High SPF sunscreen + sun sleeves (UV intensity is 3 times higher than inland). - Non-slip shoes (volcanic rock surfaces can be slippery). - Motion sickness medication (for rough seas and boat trips). 5. Budget Estimate (per person) 💰 Budget-friendly (2500 yuan): - Transportation: Ferry + electric scooter ≈ 500 yuan. - Accommodation: Homestay for 2 nights ≈ 600 yuan. - Food: Seafood + snacks ≈ 400 yuan. - Tickets: Island entry fee + attractions ≈ 200 yuan. 💰 Premium (4000 yuan+): - Upgrade to a sea view room or villa. - Enjoy water activities like diving and sailing. - Hire a car with a driver and tour guide for island exploration. 🌺Tips February-March is the off-season on Weizhou Island. Pack a light jacket and long skirts for both sun protection and stylish photos.