Crocodile Mountain
Volcanic rocks and lighthouse.
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Guangxi's largest island and China's youngest volcanic island, set in the Beibu Gulf south of Beihai; its name means «still-water islet», it measures 6.5 km by 6 km, its 15.6 km coastline includes six to ten kilometres of sandy beach, and coral reefs ring its shores. The island was built by lava, so its southern coast is lined with dark volcanic cliffs and rocks carved by the sea, best seen at the Crocodile Mountain Volcano Park with its ancient crater and a lighthouse over Nanwan Bay; visitors watch the sunrise from the colourful Wucaitan shore, the sunset from Dishui Danping beach, and swim at Shiluokou, while banana groves and seafood restaurants sit among the villages. The island pass costs CNY 98 and covers its main sights, half price for ages 6 to 18 and 60 to 65 and free over 65, and the ferry from Beihai costs from CNY 150 one way, booked ahead on the official mini program as seats sell out in busy seasons, per visitor guides. Stay a night if you can, to catch both sunrise and sunset.
Volcanic rocks and lighthouse.
On the colourful shore.
On the western beach.
Beibu Gulf, south of Beihai, Guangxi
By ferry from Beihai's cruise terminal, from CNY 150 one way; book ahead on the official mini program, as tickets sell out on holidays and in summer, per visitor guides.
Fresh seafood is the star, but local cooking also uses pork, so ask about ingredients and stick to seafood dishes, or look for restaurants under the halal sign in the city.