Weizhou Island, Beihai – The Largest Volcanic Island in China

San Po Temple, also known as Hou Tian Temple, was built in the third year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty. It ingeniously integrates with a sea-eroded cave, utilizing the natural rock formations as a protective barrier. This combination reflects the remarkable ingenuity of the island’s inhabitants. The temple is named after the Mazu temples in Fujian and Taiwan, and is steeped in enchanting legends. Surrounded by lush greenery and intersecting rock formations, the temple’s setting is serene and picturesque. Nearby, several wells, known as “Immortal Wells,” continuously spring forth with cool, refreshing water believed to have detoxifying properties. The temple remains a popular pilgrimage site, with continuous incense offerings and visitors seeking blessings.

Located in the southern part of Weizhou Island, Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area encompasses Crocodile Mountain itself, the Colorful Beach, the Red Square, the South Bay Marine Sports Park, and part of the surrounding marine areas. Covering an area of 3.8 square kilometers, this scenic spot is renowned for its stunning island landscapes, distinctive volcanic geological features, and unique sea-eroded landforms. Visitors can explore a range of natural attractions, enjoy the vibrant ecology, and experience the island’s pleasant climate. The area offers a comprehensive tourism experience, combining natural beauty with recreational opportunities.

Located in Sheng Tang Village on Weizhou Island, the Catholic Church is a nationally recognized key cultural heritage site and one of the “Four Great Catholic Churches of the Late Qing Dynasty.” Established in 1853 by French missionaries from Paris, the church took ten years to complete and remains well-preserved. It is a significant historical testament to the blending of Eastern and Western cultures. Constructed primarily from coral limestone, the church features meticulous structural design and exemplifies French Gothic architecture of the Renaissance period. Its Romanesque spire, reaching skyward, creates a striking visual effect, evoking a sense of divine mystery and making it a unique architectural landmark.

Situated on the second floor of the comprehensive building at the South Bay Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area, the Weizhou Island Volcano National Geological Park Museum spans approximately 2,000 square meters. The museum focuses on volcanic geology, featuring a range of exhibits that include maps, textual displays, and physical specimens. Utilizing modern high-tech methods such as sound and light effects, electronic sand tables, biomimicry, virtual reality, holographic projections, and QR codes, the museum highlights Weizhou Island’s volcanic island characteristics. It serves as a natural science museum that integrates volcanic geology, marine (historical) culture, research, leisure, and entertainment.

Located on the eastern part of Weizhou Island, Five-Colored Beach is renowned for its vibrant, multi-colored appearance, which emerges after the tide recedes. The exposed marine erosion platform, illuminated by sunlight, reveals a stunning palette of colors, resembling an impressionist painting. This beach is an excellent spot to watch the sunrise over the sea. During low tide, vast areas of the marine erosion platform are exposed, offering a view of the integrated geological structures of sea cliffs, sea caves, and sea erosion platforms. Visitors can also explore ancient quarries where early settlers sourced materials for construction.

Shiluokou, named for its conch-shaped beach and the variety of sea shells found there, is a picturesque destination on Weizhou Island. The surrounding area features the island’s largest and healthiest coral reef, making it a prime location for observing vibrant marine life. Known as the most romantic western part of the island, Shiluokou attracts visitors with its unique coral sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and ideal conditions for viewing colorful coral reefs. It is also a top spot for watching the sunset over the sea.

Dewdrop Danping, originally named Dewdrop Rock, is located in Dishui Village on the western part of Weizhou Island. This site features dramatic cliffs formed by marine erosion, showcasing a vivid array of colors including red, yellow, purple, green, and blue. The exposed rock layers create a striking visual effect with clear, distinct patterns. The cliff’s summit is adorned with vines and colorful flowers, creating a picturesque landscape. The name “Dewdrop” comes from the constant dripping of water from the rock face, which enhances the area’s natural beauty. Dewdrop Danping is considered a marvel of China’s volcanic landscapes.

The Weizhou Island Coral Reef National Marine Park, located in the southern waters of Beihai City, is one of China’s ten approved national marine parks. Covering a total area of 2,512.92 hectares, it includes a key protection area of 1,278.08 hectares and a moderate use area of 1,234.84 hectares. The coral reefs are found on the northern, eastern, and southwestern sides of Weizhou Island and represent the only coral reef group along the Guangxi coast. They are an important component of the coastal marine ecosystem in Guangxi, supporting 26 genera and 43 species of corals. The coral reef ecosystem is known for its high biodiversity and productivity, making it a unique and valuable ecological feature of the South China Sea.

The Weizhou Island Lighthouse is situated at the highest point of Weizhou Island. Established in 1956 with an original iron structure, it was reconstructed as a stone tower in 1969. In 2002, the lighthouse underwent a significant renovation funded by the Guangdong Maritime Bureau, costing over one million yuan. The current lighthouse stands 22 meters tall and features an internal spiral staircase for easy access, with steps clad in red granite. The inner walls of the tower are adorned with white ceramic tiles, while the outer surface is covered with white imitation stone bricks.

The lighthouse is equipped with advanced aluminum alloy and hardened glass for its water-tight windows, ensuring durability and water resistance. Ventilation holes at the base and cantilevered room help maintain a well-ventilated interior. A copper lantern, manufactured in Shanghai, is installed at the top of the tower, providing a light range of 18 nautical miles. Additionally, the lighthouse features an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the entire island.

Weizhou Island, situated in the northern part of the South China Sea, has developed a distinctive Hakka culture deeply rooted in its regional heritage. The island’s early inhabitants were part of the Baiyue tribes, which were a branch of the Yue people living in southern China, including regions such as Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, and Zhejiang. Over time, with the continuous migration of Han people from northern China during the Qin and Han dynasties, the Baiyue people experienced significant Hanization. Some were forcibly relocated to the Jianghuai region, while others retreated into the mountains, becoming known historically as the “Mountain Yue” people.

During the Jin and Tang-Song periods, constant warfare in northern China led to economic decline in rural areas, causing large numbers of refugees to migrate south across the Yangtze River. After a series of migrations, some of these immigrants reached Weizhou Island. Here, they coexisted with the indigenous people, eventually merging their Han culture with local traditions in a relatively isolated environment. This blend of cultures gave rise to a unique regional culture centered around Hakka traditions, distinct from surrounding cultural influences.

Like other coastal regions of China, the residents of Weizhou Island hold Mazu, the goddess of the sea, in high regard. Locally known as “San Po” (Third Sister), Mazu is celebrated as a protective deity for fishermen and sailors. The San Po Temple, also known as the Mazu Temple or Tianhou Palace, is located on the northern part of the island, beneath volcanic cliffs. The original temple was precariously situated on the cliffs, leading to the construction of a new, safer temple in its place, which mimics the old one in design.

The temple’s striking reddish color and the shade provided by a large ancient banyan tree create a serene atmosphere. During festivals, fishing boats, and safe returns from the sea, locals offer chickens, ducks, fish, and jewels to honor Mazu. Major celebrations occur on the 23rd day of the third lunar month (Mazu’s birthday) and during the harvest season in October. These ceremonies are held to express gratitude for protection and bountiful catches, a tradition locals refer to as “returning blessings” to San Po. An annual pilgrimage to the San Po Temple typically takes place at the end of the year.

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