Yangzhou (扬州) is a Jiangsu canal city on the north bank of the Yangtze, about 90-120 minutes by rail from Shanghai and 30-60 minutes from Nanjing. It is known for Slender West Lake, private gardens, the Grand Canal and Huaiyang cuisine.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Yangzhou.
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- Scenic and elegant
- Paved lakeside paths
- Boats and piers
- Restrooms
- Tea houses
- Shops and snack stalls
Slender West Lake Shore
Slender West Lake is Yangzhou's best-known waterside space and the nearest equivalent to a beach day.
Editor’s tip. Reserve entry on weekends
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- Open and local
- Waterfront paths
- Wetland park lawns
- Shared bike zones
- Open-air seating
- Nearby cafes
Sanwan Canal Wetland Waterfront
Sanwan is a sharp bend of the Ancient Grand Canal on the south side of Yangzhou, now landscaped as wetland park and promenade.
Editor’s tip. Bring water
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- Quiet and open
- Embankment paths
- Park lawns
- Parking
- Small shops
Guazhou Yangtze Riverfront
Guazhou sits on the Yangtze River bank opposite Zhenjiang and is the closest place to a big-river waterfront in Yangzhou.
Editor’s tip. Do not swim
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- Rural and open
- Lakeside roads
- Fishing villages
- Lake-fish restaurants
Gaoyou Lake Shore
Gaoyou Lake is one of the larger freshwater lakes in Jiangsu and offers open water, reed beds and fishing villages north of Yangzhou.
Editor’s tip. Bring your own water
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Yangzhou memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Yangzhou’s coast.
How do visitors get to Slender West Lake Shore?
Didi or taxi from Yangzhou Railway Station to the south gate about 15-25 minutes (CNY 20-30, approx USD 2.82-4.23); bus stops at Slender West Lake
From the Slender West Lake Shore editorial.
When is the best time to visit Slender West Lake Shore?
April-May and October; weekday mornings.
From the Slender West Lake Shore editorial.
How do visitors get to Sanwan Canal Wetland Waterfront?
Didi or taxi from Yangzhou Railway Station to Sanwan about 20-30 minutes (CNY 25-40, approx USD 3.52-5.63); city buses run to Sanwan
From the Sanwan Canal Wetland Waterfront editorial.
When is the best time to visit Sanwan Canal Wetland Waterfront?
Spring and autumn.
From the Sanwan Canal Wetland Waterfront editorial.
How do visitors get to Guazhou Yangtze Riverfront?
Didi or taxi from Yangzhou Railway Station to Guazhou about 30-40 minutes (CNY 60-90, approx USD 8.45-12.68)
From the Guazhou Yangtze Riverfront editorial.
When is the best time to visit Guazhou Yangtze Riverfront?
Spring and autumn afternoons.
From the Guazhou Yangtze Riverfront editorial.
How do visitors get to Gaoyou Lake Shore?
Train or coach from Yangzhou to Gaoyou about 45-70 minutes (CNY 20-40, approx USD 2.82-5.63), then Didi to the shore
From the Gaoyou Lake Shore editorial.
When is the best time to visit Gaoyou Lake Shore?
Spring and autumn.
From the Gaoyou Lake Shore editorial.