Colorful Beach (Wucai Beach)
五彩滩
A sea-eroded volcanic rock platform on the eastern shore of Weizhou Island. At low tide, the layered rock shelves are colored by seawater and the morning light. It is the island's classic spot for watching sunrise and gathering seafood on the rocks.
Colorful Beach, originally called Zhima Beach, lies on Weizhou Island's east coast. It is a sea-eroded platform about 1.5 km long, formed from volcanic clastic rock. At low tide, layered rock shelves hundreds of meters wide are exposed. The black, red and yellow of the rock surface, together with the seawater that remains, turn many colors at sunrise, hence the name. It is the island's top spot for sunrise. Arrive between 5 and 6 a.m. (around 6:30–7 a.m. in winter), either from the viewing platform on the cliff top or by walking down the wooden steps onto the rock shelves. When the sun rises over the horizon, the whole platform reflects the light, and photographers bring tripods for long exposures. At low tide, the tide pools on the rock shelves hold sea anemones, hermit crabs and small fish, making it a good place for seafood gathering. The sea cliffs and sea caves at the far end of the platform are also worth visiting. Colorful Beach is free to enter, and it is included in the island ticket. Getting there: from Nanwan Town, an electric bike takes about 15 minutes. From Shengtang Catholic Church, it is about 10 minutes. Park and walk down the cliff to reach the beach. There are also island bus stops nearby. Suggested plan: after watching the sunrise, have breakfast at Shengtang Catholic Church and Wanbei village nearby, or cycle along the east coast. Tips: always check the tide table. At high tide the rock platform is submerged, and you can only watch from the cliff. The rock surface is covered in algae and very slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and watch for cracks. Do not swim here, as the waves are strong and the reefs are dense. It can be windy in the early morning, so bring a jacket. Stay away from the sea during typhoons.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Zhuzailing Islet
- Nanwan Bay & Old Street
- Shengtang Catholic Church
- Weizhou Island Crocodile Mountain Volcanic Park
- Chengzai Our Lady Church
- Shiluokou Beach
- Dishui Danping Cliff
- Xijiao Sunset Point, Weizhou Island