Weizhou Island in Beihai, Guangxi- -isolated island- transformed into a leisure resort island
Nestled in the Gulf of Beibu, Weizhou Island in Beihai, Guangxi, has transformed remarkably in recent years. As I visit this scenic destination in mid-October, the sun is gentle, and the sea breeze is incredibly pleasant. At the Southern Bay Marine Sports Park, I spot a group of young women in flowing dresses taking turns swinging and capturing their experiences on camera. Nearby, visitors enjoy coffee and cold drinks at beachside cafes, gazing out at the ocean and chatting leisurely. Occasionally, the excitement of tourists on jet skis punctuates the tranquil atmosphere.
Weizhou Island is renowned as China’s youngest volcanic island, famous for its unique volcanic geology and coastal erosion landscapes. In recent years, the island has effectively leveraged its resources, fostering a blend of tourism with culture, sports, agriculture, wellness, and more. Improved public services and tourism facilities have elevated travel quality and brand recognition, making Weizhou Island a popular getaway.
From “Isolation” to “Daily Living Zone”
Located about 25 nautical miles from Beihai, Weizhou Island once felt extremely isolated due to inadequate transportation. Zhang Yinghui, the former chairman of the Weizhou Town People’s Congress, recalls how in the 1960s and 70s, traveling to Beihai involved a six-hour sail, with no possibility of returning the same day. Residents relied on fabric ration tickets for clothing, and it would take a family’s collective tickets just to make one outfit for a holiday. There were no ambulances, and those with serious illnesses had to be carried on makeshift stretchers to the local clinic.
“Over the past 40 years, Weizhou Island has undergone transformative changes,” Zhang states. The improvements in transportation, water, electricity, education, healthcare, and employment have been substantial. A fast ferry now connects Weizhou Island to Beihai, establishing it as a “daily living zone.”
Liu Yanfen, acting general manager of Beihai New Ao Navigation Co., has been serving the Beihai-Weizhou Island route for 36 years. She recounts that 30 years ago, there were only two ferries making the trip, taking over three and a half hours. Today, the route boasts ten high-speed ferries, the largest accommodating 1,200 passengers, and operates more than 20 journeys daily during peak tourist season. In 2023 alone, the ferry service recorded 3.8 million passengers.
Zhang Shi, secretary of the Weizhou Island tourism district committee, emphasizes the commitment to the principle that “green mountains and clear waters are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver.” The ecological environment has seen marked improvements, and the living conditions for residents have greatly enhanced as the tourism industry flourishes, leading to a significant increase in residents’ incomes and a heightened public awareness of environmental protection.
Upgrading to Create a Leisure Island Experience
Mid-October marks the off-peak tourist season for Weizhou Island. On the walkways of Crocodile Mountain, the beaches of Dishui Danping, and the Cliff Gardens, a handful of visitors are savoring the tranquil autumn ambiance of the island.
Zhang Yingliang, a fourth-generation islander, has turned a long-vacant building near the Weizhou Catholic Church into a sanctuary of greenery, planning to develop a plant-themed leisure spot for visitors to relax and enjoy afternoon tea.
“Without tourism, I might never have returned to live on the island,” Zhang reflects. Thanks to the opportunities presented by the tourism boom, many young people like him who previously ventured away from the island are now returning to start businesses and settle down.
Since returning to Weizhou Island in 2014, Zhang has opened eight establishments, including guesthouses and cafes. He believes the island needs more youthful elements and hopes to create manageable cost cafes to attract like-minded young entrepreneurs to revitalize the island.
Since the implementation of the Beihai Weizhou Island Tourism Development Plan in 2011, the island has entered a rapid phase of growth regarding protection, project investment, and tourism quality enhancement. This year, Guangxi proposed a “Tourist Area Renewal” initiative aimed at elevating multiple scenic spots, including Weizhou Island, to world-class standards.
Zhang Shi mentions that the island will expedite its protective development initiatives, aiming to cultivate a diverse and dynamic Weizhou Island by showcasing themes like “Romantic Weizhou,” “Fashionable Weizhou,” “Low-Carbon Weizhou,” “Artistic Weizhou,” and “Vibrant Leisure Weizhou,” with ambitions to position it as a top-tier domestic and internationally renowned vacation destination.
