Autumn Roaming Guide to Weizhou Island: Meet Volcanoes and Seafood in the 25℃ Sea Breeze

When the first leaf falls in the north, Weizhou Island is still wrapped in warm light of 20-28℃. Without the summer crowds, only the whispers of volcanic rocks and the blue sea remain, along with the aroma of fresh seafood in the market—this is the most pleasant way to enjoy the island. This comprehensive guide covering activities, food, and accommodation will help you unlock the autumn charm of the "Sea Shang Penglai." 1. Autumn Travel Essentials: Avoid Pitfalls and Prepare Although autumn on Weizhou Island is mostly sunny, paying attention to details is necessary for a worry-free trip. Transportation and Weather - Getting to the island: You need to take a ferry from Beihai International Passenger Port, with a journey of about 1.5 hours. Occasionally, typhoons in autumn may cause cancellations, so check the weather 3 days before departure. It’s best to travel after the 23rd when the weather is stable, and there are fewer people and beautiful scenery. Book ferry tickets 3 days in advance on the official platform; during peak season, it’s recommended to book round-trip tickets together. - Island transportation: Renting an electric scooter is the best choice, costing about 50 yuan per day, allowing flexible travel between attractions. Note that coastal roads have many curves, so wear a helmet and avoid riding alone at night. - Clothing guide: Short sleeves and skirts are fine during the day; bring a light jacket for the evening by the sea to block the wind; wear water shoes for tide pooling at Five-Color Beach to avoid cuts from volcanic rocks. Must-Have Items - Sunscreen products: Although UV rays are weaker than in summer, the sea breeze still makes sunburn easy. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and sun hats are essential. - Practical tools: The "Global Tides" app for tide checking (a must for Five-Color Beach), a portable power bank, and some cash (some small stalls do not accept mobile payments). - Documents and tickets: ID card, ferry tickets, combined attraction tickets (including Crocodile Mountain and other key spots). Night tours at Crocodile Mountain require separate reservations. 2. Core Activities: Volcanic Wonders and Island Romance Autumn light best suits Weizhou Island, whether it’s sunrise, sunset, or secret explorations—every spot holds surprises. Must-Visit Attractions: Classics and New Experiences - Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area: The core landmark of volcanic landforms, with hiking trails close to volcanic crater remains and sea-eroded cliffs. Don’t miss the new "Volcanic Night Tour" in 2025; the 7:00-9:00 PM light show makes the red rocks and blue sea look like a dream—remember to book in advance. Arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy the volcanic secret spot alone. - Five-Color Beach: The "tide magic" at low tide is spectacular, with volcanic rocks covered in green algae shimmering in the morning light. The best viewing time is sunrise from 5:30 to 6:30 AM during low tide, perfect for stunning photos, and it’s free all the way. - Dripping Water Danping and Twilight Cliff: The former is famous for red volcanic rocks dripping water like a curtain; sunset from 4:00 to 6:30 PM gilds the rock layers with golden edges. The latter is a lesser-known sunset spot where you can camp on the cliff top and stargaze with professional equipment, clearly seeing the Milky Way across the night sky. - Shiluokou Beach: Known for its highly transparent "glass sea," snorkeling here reveals live coral and tropical fish. Although the bioluminescent sea is limited to May-August, autumn waters are clearer, ideal for photos and check-ins. - Catholic Church: A century-old Gothic building made of coral stone, with stunning stained glass rose windows restored in 2025. Sunday mass is at 9:00 AM; arriving before 9 means fewer people and a peaceful atmosphere, complemented by freshly baked bread and coffee next to the church for a full vibe. Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences: Unlock Deep Island Play - Coral Conservation Action: Participate in coral planting at Shiluokou, fixing coral seedlings underwater and earning a "Marine Guardian Certificate," perfect for families and environmental enthusiasts. - Sunset Island Eco Tour: A 40-minute boat ride to explore volcanic crater lakes and Fairy Cave. Lunch features the "Sunset Three Treasures"—steamed fish, banana chicken, and wild vegetables—immersing you in the island’s original charm. - Nanwan Street Tide Pooling: At 7 AM or 4:30 PM when fishing boats return, you can "intercept" the freshest seafood at the dock. Tips for kids picking seafood: choose shrimp that blow bubbles, crabs with hard shells and firm bellies, and shellfish that retract immediately when touched for freshness. 3. Autumn Cuisine: Seafood Freedom and Local Flavors Autumn is Weizhou Island’s "seafood golden season," with plump mantis shrimp and orchid crabs—miss it and wait another year. Must-Try Seafood List - Typhoon Shelter Mantis Shrimp: The "autumn king" mantis shrimp has chewy meat, fried golden with breadcrumbs, so good you’ll lick your fingers clean. - Scallion and Ginger Stir-Fried Orchid Crab: The star-patterned orchid crab is rich and tender; stir-fried with scallions and ginger, it’s aromatic and kids love to dig in. - Garlic Steamed Stone Oysters: A Weizhou specialty, rough outside but tender inside, combining the flavors of scallops, abalone, and oysters with rich juices. - Steamed Grouper: Grouper nourished by volcanic reefs looks like garlic cloves; steaming preserves its original sweet, fresh, and non-fishy taste and nutrition. Food Hunting Guide - Nanwan Market: Buy seafood and find nearby restaurants to cook it; steaming costs 10 yuan per jin, stir-frying 20 yuan per jin. Fresh seafood tastes great without complicated cooking. - Specialty Restaurants: Many guesthouses in Dripping Water Village offer volcanic banana farmer feasts using local bananas, native chicken, and seafood for unique flavors; seafood stalls near Sanminsu in Beicheng offer great value and authentic cooking. - Street Snacks: Freshly baked bread by the Catholic Church and fresh coconut juice on Nanwan Street are perfect energy boosters while exploring. 4. Accommodation Recommendations: From Cost-Effective to Light Luxury Choosing the right accommodation based on your itinerary can double your happiness on the island, with lower prices in the autumn off-season. Cost-Effective Choices - Beicheng Yousan: Authentic Moroccan style with a courtyard pool, 2-minute walk to the beach, rooms only 300-400 yuan/night, perfect for photos. - Muniao Guesthouse 7001084: 188 yuan for two in a seaside guesthouse, steps from the beach, spacious rooms with comfortable bedding, enjoy afternoon tea by the pool. Light Luxury Vacation Choices - Qingli South/ North Courtyard: Best value, 500-800 yuan/night covering family and double rooms, excellent restaurant, located by the sea in Dripping Water Village, convenient travel. - Shexi Guesthouse: Magazine-level high-end style, infinity pool with stunning sunsets, prices vary, a favorite secret spot for many visitors. Family-Friendly Choices - Yiqi Jinshi: Fully smart rooms with large space, some with private pools, high-floor rooms with sea views, newly renovated with complete facilities, ideal for families with kids. - Sanqiu Seaview: Located in the core of Nanwan, close to seafood market and milk tea shops, top-floor suites with small courtyards and beach views, very convenient for children. 5. 3-Day Essential Itinerary: Savor the Autumn Island Day 1: Volcanic Wonders + Romantic Sunset Head straight to Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area in the morning, explore volcanic crater remains and the geology museum, send a postcard at the volcanic post office; in the afternoon, visit Dripping Water Danping to see red rocks dripping water, rent an electric scooter to explore Dripping Water Village art area; at dusk, go to Twilight Cliff for sunset, and if camping on the cliff top, stargaze the Milky Way late at night. Day 2: Marine Ecology + Slow Cultural Life Get to Five-Color Beach by 5:30 AM, collect shells on volcanic rocks at low tide, watch the sunrise; snorkel or join coral planting at Shiluokou in the morning; at noon, pick seafood at Nanwan Market and have it cooked; visit the Catholic Church in the afternoon, attend Sunday mass and try church bread; enjoy seafood and sea breeze on the guesthouse terrace at night. Day 3: Offbeat Secrets or Return For deep travelers, choose a Sunset Island circular hike and enjoy a steamed sunset fish lunch; for a relaxed day, build sandcastles at Shell Beach, cycle along the colorful road, buy volcanic stone souvenirs, then head back. 6. Pitfall Warnings - Don’t trust roadside "cheap car rentals," often traps leading to shopping stops; renting an electric scooter is freer. - Confirm seafood cooking prices before ordering to avoid hidden "per portion" charges; choose restaurants with clear pricing. - Avoid tide pooling in unauthorized mudflats; some areas are ecological reserves—hire local guides. Autumn on Weizhou Island is the warmth of volcanic rocks heated by the sun, the fresh vitality of seafood on your plate, and the lazy time hidden in the sea breeze. Bring this guide and enjoy a less crowded, purer island date.