I found China's Santorini! The ultimate guide to Weizhou Island

If I could only visit one island, I'd definitely recommend Weizhou Island! This treasure island has volcanoes, lighthouses, and churches, making it perfect for a vacation! Below is my personal travel guide—don't forget to like and save it! 🚢 Transportation 1. Getting to the island: Take a ferry from Beihai International Passenger Port. Book tickets in advance on the "Laiyouba" official website. The journey takes about 1 hour, with tickets priced at 150 RMB per person. Opt for larger boats for a smoother ride to avoid seasickness. 2. On the island: Rent an e-bike for 50-80 RMB per day to explore freely, but watch the battery level and stay safe. Alternatively, take a sightseeing bus for convenience, though it offers less flexibility. 🏞️ Must-visit spots 1. Crocodile Hill Volcano Park: The island's top attraction, featuring unique volcanic lava formations and crystal-clear waters. Walk the wooden boardwalk around the crater to see sea-eroded arches, Moon Bay, and other geological wonders. New in 2025: Night tours (7-9 PM) with light shows and geological commentary—absolutely stunning! Wear anti-slip shoes, as some paths are steep. 2. Five-Color Beach: The best spot for sunrise. At low tide, volcanic rocks and moss create a colorful glow. Check the "Global Tides" app for low-tide times and arrive 30 minutes early to secure the best sunrise view. 3. Dripping Water Screen: Breathtaking orange-red sunsets with silhouettes of fishing boats. At low tide, try beachcombing for sand crabs (50 RMB/person). The flat beach is perfect for family fun. 4. Shiluokou Beach: Crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling in the Coral Conservation Area (200 RMB/person, gear included). Mornings are best—wear a rash guard for sun and scratch protection. 5. Catholic Church: A Gothic-style building made of century-old coral stone. Sunday Mass at 9 AM features choir performances. Next door, try the stone-oven bread (8 RMB)—crispy outside, soft inside! 6. Nanwan Seafood Market: Bustling when fishing boats return at 3 PM. Haggle like a pro ("halve the price + round down") and try pepper-salt mantis shrimp or steamed grouper. For processing, choose "Shiyue Square" with transparent kitchens (15 RMB/jin for steaming). 🏡 Accommodation 1. Dripping Village: Designer B&Bs with sunset views. Recommended: "Kafka Hotel" with Japanese-style gardens and free afternoon tea, or "Fangdao Hotel" with 270° sea-view windows (~300 RMB/night). 2. Shell Beach: Family-friendly with oceanfront stays. "Changfeng Homestay" offers beach cabins and sunset terraces, plus free kids' sand toys (~200 RMB/night). 🍜 Food Guide 1. Must-tries: Volcanic coconut jelly (20 RMB, from Granny’s Desserts, a 20-year-old shop), banana flower omelet (38 RMB, Volcanic Banana Feast), steamed Xieyang fish (68 RMB, Xieyang Island Fisherman’s Feast). 2. Seafood tips: Buy fresh at Nanwan Market and process at "Shiyue Square" (15 RMB/jin for steaming)—transparent pricing avoids scams. 3. Refreshers: Seafood pineapple shaved ice, chilled banana juice, and night-market grilled oysters (10 RMB for 3 skewers). 📅 3-Day Itinerary 1. Day 1: Ferry from Beihai → drop luggage & rent e-bike → Crocodile Hill Park (daytime geology + night light show) → Nanwan Street seafood feast → sunset at Shiluokou Beach. 2. Day 2: Sunrise at Five-Color Beach (5:30 AM) → nap at B&B → Catholic Church (grab stone-oven bread) → Shell Beach combing → sunset beachcombing at Dripping Water Screen → Nanwan night market. 3. Day 3: Full-day e-bike tour: "Colorful Highway" (photo-worthy blue/white markers) → "Blue Bridge Ruins" (industrial-style photos) → sunset at Twilight Cliff’s starry tents → pack for departure. ❗ Pro tips 1. Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours), hats, and sleeves—UV rays are intense (even phone cases fade!). 2. Mosquitoes: DEET repellent and long sleeves at dusk; request electric mosquito repellent at B&Bs. 3. Eco-friendly: Leave shells/coral fragments on the beach. Carry trash bags—bins are scarce. Book ferry tickets and stays 3 days ahead—they sell out fast in peak season! Save this guide and start your dreamy island getaway!