Weizhou Island, the largest volcanic island in the country measuring in at 24 km², lies 36 nautical miles from Beihai city. The volcanic stones, solidified lava formations and the wide crater provide some unusual scenery.  Eighty-five percent of the island's 16,000 residents are Hakkas (Kejia), who make their living from fishing and tourism. The island is a peaceful place to stroll the narrow streets of  the villages and visit the old Roman Catholic Church, a scale model of Notre Dame in Paris.  Seafood is abundant and sold at an extremely low price. Souvenirs made from marine products are on sale in stalls on the streets.  Give yourself at least half a day or more to visit the island.     more >>

Xieyang Island is a small volcanic island (2 km²) located 9 miles from Weizhou Island and 40 miles from the mainland. The island is lush with vegetation, especially Masson's Pine (Chinese Red Pine) and Taiwan Acacia.  Over 2,000 Hakka (Kejia) people live on the island. Fish is the main staple in the local diet as the island doesn't have a vegetable market.  Locals are kind and generous, two qualities which they believe keep their home safe and free of thieves. Evidence of their spirit of giving can be seen on beaches surrounding the island, where extra fish are left for anyone who needs them to take and eat.   Take some time to walk the forest trails and enjoy the unique karst landscape.   more >>

Beihai Submarine World (Beihai Haiyang zhi Chuang) is a large museum with two parts.  One area houses the former Aquatic Products Museum which, next to Qingdao, is the earliest and largest aquatic products museum in China.   The second area has a large submarine to explore and a collection of reef fish from both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. One of the highlights of a visit is watching divers "dance" with the sharks.   And like all other tourist destination, there are the obiligatory kitsch elements, such as porcelain mini replications of the Ancient City of Incas and the Silk Road and the sunken Second World War boats placed underwater in the tank.   Opened in 1978, Aquatic Products Museum exhibits sea animals and plants from the South China Sea, including both preserved specimens and live sea animals. The 2,800 sea fau... more >>

Silver Beach is 10 km (6 mi) from the city centre and its soft, silvery quartz sand stretches 24 kilometers to west . Regarded as one of the best beaches in China, it attracts numerous sea-lovers with its average year round seawater temperature of 23°C.   The beach is lined by a loose row of guesthouses, villas and restaurants. Surprisingly, the beach is rather quiet and not overrun by tourists as you might expect. The best time to visit is August and September although the climate is pleasant year around. Try to give yourself half a day to soak up the beach and propery unwind.   more >>

Built at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Wenchang is one of the best examples of Ming architecture in southern Guangxi.  Built with the traditions of Feng Shui in mind, a visit to the seven-tier hollow pagoda is said to advance one's career. In ancient China, Feng Shui (the art of positioning building, graves or furniture) was believed to positively or negatively effect one's life.  'Wen' refers to knowledge and literature, while 'Chang' means prosperity and goodness. The pagoda's main function is to bring success to one's offspring. For this reason, pagodas such as this were built all over China. The octagonal pagoda is 36 meters high (118 feet). Each tier is shaped like an inverted red and white lotus flower.  From the top of the pagoda, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Beihai.   more >>