Weizhou Island in Beihai is located in the northern part of the Beibu Gulf, south of Beihai City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is China’s largest and youngest volcanic island in terms of geological age, and also one of the ten most beautiful islands in China. The island is home to over 2,000 households and more than 16,000 residents, over 85% of whom are Hakka people. Not only does the island boast a pleasant climate and abundant natural resources, but it also features stunning scenery, breathtaking views, and a year-round spring-like atmosphere. Its climate is warm and humid, and its air, rich in negative oxygen ions, is fresh and invigorating—hence its nickname, “The Great Penglai,” an ethereal fairyland. On August 26, 2016—a crisp autumn day with clear skies and perfect weather—we “EK Ren” set off slowly, filled with anticipation and longing for the sea, the silver beaches, and the delicious seafood. Along the way, everyone laughed and chatted happily, brimming with excitement and eagerness for this trip! Soon we boarded our flight to Beihai. From the window during the journey, the view was simply spectacular: towering above the clouds, it felt as if we were immersed in an icy world. Everything we saw before us was so pure and transparent.

Around 8 p.m., we safely arrived at Beihai Fucheng Airport. As soon as we stepped out of the airport, the first thing we noticed was a slightly stuffy, humid atmosphere mixed with salty, damp rain. On our way to the hotel, our guide, A Yu—a genuine girl from Guangxi’s Zhuang ethnic group—introduced us to many local delicacies unique to Beihai. Among them, the sandworm stood out particularly. Reportedly, it looks remarkably like a length of intestine, shaped like a long tube, and is an incredibly delicious seafood variety that grows in coastal tidal flats, boasting extremely high nutritional value. At our very first dinner in Beihai, everyone enjoyed the food in a warm and convivial atmosphere. Several of our more adventurous friends even dared to have a sandworm-eating contest—truly a display of remarkable courage! On Day 1 of our trip, we visited the famed Catholic Church and the Weizhou Island Volcanic Geological Park. Although we happened to arrive just at the tail end of summer and the weather was quite hot, it didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm for exploring at all. We’d prepared everything—from sunscreen and umbrellas to shawls and sun hats. Walking along the long pier, the vast expanse of pale green seawater seemed to beckon us, and the sand was exceptionally white and fine. A strong urge to jump into the water and play suddenly welled up inside us.

The breathtaking scenery after arriving on the island truly lived up to everyone’s expectations. Not only did we take a small cruise to explore the underwater world, but we also enjoyed stunning views from the shore. In particular, our brave Terry donned his “battle suit” and volunteered to try snorkeling—his courage was truly admirable. And Jok, too, couldn’t contain his excitement; he jumped ashore to play joyfully with the children, getting up close and personal with the salty seawater. Overall, this pristine natural landscape really gave us the feeling of having fallen deeply in love with Weizhou Island.

Time flies, and soon it’s already the second day—our destination: the beautiful Silver Beach. As some say, “In the north there’s Guilin’s picturesque landscapes; in the south, Beihai’s Silver Beach.” Indeed, this Silver Beach, renowned as “the Number One Beach under Heaven,” lives up to its reputation. Even without the点缀 of blue skies and white clouds, just the gentle caress of a breeze and the occasional soft, warm raindrops already feel absolutely wonderful. Moreover, the fine, white sand, the clear, warm waters, and the gentle, soothing waves—all combine to create a beauty that’s simply breathtaking. It’s said that in Beihai there’s a legendary tale: it’s rumored that the Seven Fairies, enchanted by the beauty of Silver Beach, often descended from the heavens to play and frolic in its waters. This is precisely the origin of Beihai’s landmark—the steel sculpture of the Seven Fairies.

That evening, at A Yu’s recommendation, we headed to Qiaogang Snack Street in Beihai, where we continued to savor authentic, delicious, and affordable seafood barbecues from the bustling street stalls. Here, we also tried Beihai’s famous sweet soups, which had an exceptionally delightful texture. As we ate and chatted, Nick shared a thrilling story about how, as a child, he’d accidentally eaten poisonous mushrooms. After hearing his tale, everyone couldn’t help but worry for him.

On the final day of our journey, we first visited the Dajiangbu Tribe, which features an authentic floating-lake-dwelling ethnic village. With its small bridges, flowing streams, and winding paths leading to secluded spots, the area truly exudes a unique charm. Following that, Mr. Lan took everyone on a tour of Beihai Old Street—a street steeped in history, lined with well-preserved Sino-Western hybrid shophouses. As we strolled along, we enjoyed snacks and chatted animatedly while snapping photos. We savored the delicious local snack “Auntie Li’s Shrimp Cakes,” freshly made and fried to perfection—crispy and irresistibly fragrant. It was here that we left behind not only our joyful laughter but also our final group photo as a cherished memory.

Every reunion is an unforgettable experience, always filled with people and moments worth cherishing. Here, we hope that our little group—now grown and thriving—will shine even brighter in the future, adding vibrant hues to both the company’s journey and our own personal paths!