Nanjing to Rizhao Road Trip: Hidden Gems & Practical Guide

The G25 Expressway runs 560 kilometers northeast from Nanjing to Rizhao, following the ancient path of the Grand Canal before cutting through the low mountains of Jiangsu and Shandong.

This route passes near the 2,500-year-old Huai'an Grand Canal heritage area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and ends at a Yellow Sea port known for its 100-meter-wide beach on Wanpingkou.

Rizhao's coastline is characterized by 64 kilometers of sandy beaches and rock pools, with a third of its land forested. The city's aquarium, the Rizhao Ocean Park, features a 20-meter-long underwater tunnel.

Inland, the Wulianshan Scenic Area offers granite peaks and waterfalls, a stark contrast to the flat farmland of northern Jiangsu.

Local commerce thrives along the coast: you can buy freshly harvested laver (seaweed) at fishermen's markets near the Anjialing fishing port. In contrast, the Huai'an section is famous for its huaiyang cuisine, especially the soft-boiled crab.

Throughout the drive, you'll see tea fields on the hillsides, as Rizhao is known for its green tea production, a relatively recent agricultural development since the 1960s.

The G25 is well-lit for 80% of its length, but the 30-km section through the Jinpu mountains has sharp curves and is subject to fog in winter. Roadside service areas are modern, with Wuhan-style hot dry noodles available at the Lianyungang service area.

For a break, the Huai'an service area has a children's playground and breastfeeding rooms, ideal for families. Pet owners must note that service areas do not allow pets inside buildings; however, there are ample grassy areas for walks.

To combat fatigue, official rest stops are located at 50-km intervals, but I also recommend pulling into the Tonghu Wetland Park rest area, where a 500-meter boardwalk winds through reed marshes.

Life hack: fill up your tank at the Yangzhou service area (km 105) as it's 10% cheaper than urban stations. For the final 100 km, watch for strong crosswinds on the Guanhe Bridge and reduce speed accordingly.

Eating along the route: the Donghai service area offers a sit-down restaurant with local Lianyungang boiled seafood, including mantis shrimp. Off-route, 3 km south of the Ganyu toll gate, a farmhouse serves Xiaolongbao with a savoury broth – look for the red lanterns.

How to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities is a key idea: this route is more than just four lanes of asphalt.

• Fuel costs: Approximately ¥0.8 per km for a 1.5L sedan, totaling around ¥450.
• Expressway toll: ¥220 for cars.
• GPS: Rizhao is located at 35.42°N, 119.53°E.
• Road quality: Excellent on G25, with rest areas every 50 km.

From Nanjing, you'll join the G25 at the Maqun Interchange, passing through Yangzhou, Huai'an, and Lianyungang before entering Shandong. The road crosses the 32-km-long Guanhe Bridge, one of the longest in China.

The route gains 450 meters in elevation over the Jinpu mountain range, offering sweeping views of terraced fields. This stretch is particularly scenic in April, when rapeseed flowers bloom.