If you are looking for how to get from Beihai to Weizhou in 2025 then you will largely find scant information online, with what there is being wrong, or out of date.
Fear not though because I have now done this journey and can thus now point you towards the hows and why’s of getting to Weizhou from Beihai. First though, a little introduction….
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What the Weizhou Island?
Weizhou Island is one of those places that makes you wonder how it’s still under the radar. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, it’s technically part of Guangxi but feels more like a lost slice of tropical Southeast Asia. Think lava-streaked coastlines, quiet fishing communities, and a French-built Gothic church in the middle of a Chinese island. It’s surreal, peaceful, and completely different from the chaos of the mainland.
To get there, you’ll pass through Beihai, a coastal city that serves as the launch point. While Beihai itself has its charms, including the famous Silver Beach, it’s really all about catching the ferry. Once you’re on Weizhou, time seems to slow down. Scooters buzz past coral-built homes, grilled oysters are served on plastic tables by the roadside, and sunsets come with cold beers and no rush to be anywhere.
This isn’t an island built for tourists, it is one where people actually live and do their thing. Yes like anywhere it is getting more touristy, but as China goes it is still pretty raw, particularly when compared to say Hainan.
How to get to the Beihai International Passenger Ferry Terminal
The Beihai International Passgener Ferry Terminal is a bit of misnomer as it only goes to Weizhou and Hainan, although there is talk of one to Vietnam. You will also likely find yourself as the only Lao Wai there as well.
There are buses to the terminal, but if you want to wear your big boy pants then it will cost you about 40 RMB ($6) from downtown, or about half of that from Beihai High Speed Railway. Downtown takes about 30 minutes and again half from the railway. DiDi the local version of Grab also works much better than taxis within the city.
Personally I really like Beihai and feel it is well worth a few nights in itself regardless of if you plan to visit Weizhou or not.
How to buy a ferry ticket from Beihai to Weizhou
From what I can find there are no foreign friendly apps that allow you to buy a ferry ticket from Beihai to Weizhou, such as trip.com for example. This leaves two options, using a bricks and mortar travel agency, who will charge a small commission, or just trying your luck. The later is fine so long as you are not traveling right in the middle of a Chinese holiday.
The ticket office here do not speak English at all, but then no one even in Beihai does. It is though easy enough to navigate and present that you need a ferry to Weizhou. Try not to book the ferry to Hainan.
How much are the ferry tickets from Beihai to Weizhou
Forget what you have read about the price of a ferry ticket from Beihai to Weizhou as they are massively out of date, meaning it is no longer that cheap of a hobby to visit Weizhou.
Ticket Classes and Prices for Beihai – Weizhou – Beihai
- Standard Class: ¥150 ($20) per person. Available on ships like Beiyou 12, 16, 26, and 28. Bottom decks – these are the Jack Dawson class, but in actuality are fine)
- Business Class: ¥180 to ¥210 ($25-30) per person. Found on mid-level decks, very comfortable and tend to have a shop!
- VIP/First-Class: ¥240 to ¥300 ($32-40) per person. Situated on the upper decks, these cabins have anywhere from 6-8 people in them, have a private bathroom and offer great views.
I personally opted for the VIP class, which also gives you a special entrance from Beihai. This made it an extremely comfortable journey that I could sleep through. Was it worth spending twice as much? That I am not sure of.
And do not forget that this is China, so you will need your passport (yes we are aware you traveling within China).
What is the ferry like from Beihai to Weizhou
If you’re hopping from Beihai to Weizhou Island, you won’t be boarding a junk or some rickety old fishing boat. Instead, you’ll likely find yourself on one of the sleek Beiyou-class ferries—modern catamarans built for speed and comfort. These ships, like the Beiyou 26 and Beiyou 28, can carry upwards of 500 passengers and are fully air-conditioned, a lifesaver when the Guangxi sun is doing its thing.
The standard class is basic but comfy, while business and VIP cabins come with padded seats, better views, and a bit more legroom. There’s even a snack bar on board, although the wise ones bring their own stash of cold beers and sunflower seeds. The journey takes about 80 to 110 minutes depending on the boat and the sea. It’s a smooth ride most days, though the staff do have sick bags on hand if you can’t handle the Gulf of Tonkin.
Personally and as a former mariner the light rocking pretty much shook me to sleep in a way I truly miss.
What time is the Beihai to Weizhou ferry?
This is another point that seems to be gotten wrong on much of the web! And it is also something that is seasonal. This means there are more in holidays, although most of ferries from Beihai to Weizhou are morning, or afternoon.
Beihai to Weizhou Ferry Timetable
Ferries operate daily from the Beihai International Passenger Port, with departures typically at 08:30, 12:30, and 15:20. Return trips from Weizhou Island are usually at 10:15, 14:30, and 17:20. Schedules may vary based on weather conditions and demand.
Arrival and Islands Tax in Weizhou Island
An additional fee of ¥98 ($14) per person is required to enter Weizhou Island, but you only find this out when you are not allowed to leave and get sent to the ticket booth! And that is China, so it is done in Chinese and on WeChat. I personally speak Chinese, but I needed the staff their to help me complete the form.
This is sadly pretty endemic in China and is something really affecting the tourism industry here, but such is life. This means that merely getting to Weizhou from Beihai will set you back a bare minimum of $30, but likely more. This is compared to 5 years ago when it was around 1/3 of the price.
Is it worth going to Weizhou by ferry?
I will give this a whole bells and whistles review at some point, but overall yeah it is. Beihai is great as a standalone venture while Weizhou and its TukTuks still retain a certain degree of charm in a China that is now unrecognizable from the one I first entered in 2006.
Better start saving your pennies though…..
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