Guangxi – Weizhou Island & Beihai Dive Sites – China

About Guangxi – Weizhou Island & Beihai

Weizhou Island and Beihai represent Guangxi province’s premier diving destination, centered around China’s youngest volcanic island where dramatic geological formations create extraordinary underwater landscapes. Weizhou Island, formed by volcanic eruptions approximately 10,000 years ago, features spectacular basalt sea cliffs that continue underwater as walls, caves, and pinnacles colonized by vibrant coral communities. The island’s coral reefs are among the most northerly in the South China Sea, supporting over 30 species of hard coral and a rich diversity of tropical and subtropical marine species. Diving highlights include the dramatic sea cliffs at Crocodile Mountain, the coral gardens at Shiluobei Beach, and the seasonal aggregation of whale sharks that visit the waters between Weizhou and the mainland from December through April. Beihai on the mainland offers Silver Beach, one of China’s finest beaches, with accessible shore diving and snorkeling on nearshore reefs. The combination of volcanic geology, healthy coral ecosystems, whale shark encounters, and the laid-back island atmosphere makes Weizhou one of China’s most exciting emerging diving destinations. The island’s protected marine reserve status ensures ongoing conservation of these unique underwater environments.

Highlights

• ✓Volcanic basalt sea cliffs continuing underwater as walls and caves
• ✓Seasonal whale shark encounters from December through April
• ✓Shiluobei Beach coral gardens with 30-plus hard coral species
• ✓Crocodile Mountain dramatic coastal and underwater volcanic geology

Getting There

Fly into Beihai Fucheng Airport (BHY) with connections from major Chinese cities, or take the high-speed train to Beihai from Nanning (1.5 hours). Weizhou Island is reached by ferry from Beihai International Ferry Terminal, approximately 60-80 minutes crossing.