Rizhao to Anji Drive: Scenic Route Guide

The G15 Shenhai Expressway, which begins in Shenyang and runs down the coast to Haikou, serves as the backbone of this 850-kilometer journey from Rizhao to Anji. You'll traverse the Shandong Peninsula, cross into Jiangsu, and finally wind through the hills of northern Zhejiang. The trip typically takes around 9 hours of pure driving, but plan for a full day with stops.

Anji, known for its bamboo forests and as a weekend retreat from Shanghai, sits at the foothills of the Tianmu Mountains. This route is worth driving if you appreciate a mix of coastal plains, bridge crossings, and inland mountains.

Just south of Rizhao, the expressway skirts the Lingshan Bay mangrove nature reserve – a rare coastal wetland where you can spot migratory birds if you exit at the Jiaonan service area. Farther south, the Jiangsu coast brings a series of aquaculture ponds and wind farms, a flat landscape broken by the occasional fishing village.

Off the highway, the Yangzhou section of the Grand Canal offers a UNESCO World Heritage site experience. The canal was inscribed in 2014, and the city's old town retains Ming-era architecture and a thriving teahouse culture. For a quick detour, exit at the Yangzhou East interchange and drive 15 minutes to the Slender West Lake park.

Local commerce along the route centers around service areas: they sell regional specialties like Lianyungang's dried seafood and Yangzhou's pickled vegetables. These are convenient spots to sample local flavors without leaving the highway.

The G15 Expressway from Rizhao to Lianyungang is a well-maintained, six-lane toll road running parallel to the coast. Near Lianyungang, transition to the G25 Changshen Expressway, which heads south through Jiangsu and into Zhejiang. At Hangzhou, take the S12 Shenjiahu Expressway west to reach Anji.

Fuel costs for this journey average around 400 RMB for a standard sedan, with service areas every 30–50 kilometers offering gas stations, convenience stores, and basic restaurants. Toll fees total approximately 350 RMB, payable by ETC or cash at each interchange.

• Fuel consumption: 7-8 L/100km, total ~60 liters.
• Diesel and 92-octane petrol are widely available; 95-octane at most service areas.
• Toll booths accept Alipay and WeChat Pay.
• Speed limits: 120 km/h on G15, 100 km/h on S12.

The G25 between Lianyungang and Huai'an is notoriously monotonous – a perfectly straight four-lane road with identical poplar trees for miles. To combat driver fatigue, plan to stop every two hours at one of the many rest areas. The Hongze Lake service area (near Huai'an) has a shaded picnic area and a small walking path along the lake, ideal for stretching your legs.

For families, the Zhoushan service area on the G15 (between Nantong and Shanghai) features an indoor playground and clean nursing rooms – a rarity on Chinese expressways. Note that service areas are pet-friendly, but keep dogs on a leash; some have designated pet relief areas.

For a more immersive break, consider a detour to the Lishui Ancient Town, a hidden off-route spot just 20 kilometers east of the S12 expressway near Changxing. This thousand-year-old water town has no entrance fee and is far less crowded than similar sites in Jiangsu. To find such gems, use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities as a guide.

Road quality is excellent throughout, with new asphalt and clear signage. However, be cautious of heavy truck traffic near the Nantong–Hangzhou corridor, and always check weather – the region experiences dense fog in winter and typhoons in late summer, which can reduce visibility and require slower speeds.