Yancheng

Introducing Yancheng

Yancheng, renowned for its salt production, is located in central Jiangsu Province, on the central eastern coast of China, on the northern flank of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. Yandu County was established here as early as the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, giving it a history of over 2,100 years.

The area boasts continuous mudflats, lush aquatic plants, and the sounds of deer and cranes, creating an ideal habitat for rare birds and animals. Bordering the sea and lake, the scenery blends seamlessly into one, creating a breathtaking backdrop for ecotourism. Yancheng specialties such as lotus root starch dumplings, Dongtai hair embroidery, Binhai willow whips, and Jianhu fireworks are renowned throughout the country. Juchang Road is a popular food street, while Jianjun Middle Road and Huanghai East Road are the main commercial thoroughfares.

Climate and best time to travel

April to October is the best time to travel to Yancheng. At this time, everything in the reserve is full of vitality and very lively. At the same time, autumn is the best time to stroll in the reed marshes, and you will feel refreshed.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Chinese Elk Park

Located on the shores of the Yellow Sea in Dafeng, eastern Jiangsu, the Dafeng Milu Deer Reserve covers an area of ​​40,000 mu (approximately 16,000 hectares). To date, the Dafeng Milu Deer Reserve has a population of 45% of the world's total Milu deer population and has established three world records: the world's largest Milu Deer Reserve, the world's largest wild Milu deer population, and the world's largest Milu deer gene bank.

Yancheng Dafeng Dream Maze

Located in Caoyan Town, Dafeng District, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, the scenic area creatively proposes a new rural leisure tourism concept of "maze, paradise, and garden." It is a comprehensive maze park that integrates parent-child experience, leisure and educational games, competitive entertainment, and research and education.

Dutch flower sea

Located north of the intersection of Qingfeng Road and Huaihai Road in the Chengbei New District, the park is divided into four functional areas: Lotus Peninsula, Colorful Lake, Waterfront Impression, and Smart Manor. It features a sea of ​​flowers, mounds, water features, green belts, windmills, an old river gate, boulders, and a ginkgo forest.

Recommended play time: 1-2 days

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Most Popular FAQs for Yancheng

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Yancheng (in Jiangsu Province) is a coastal, salt-historical city whose name means “Salt City.” It has a long salt production heritage and lies along the Yellow Sea coast. Today it is also known for its coastal wetlands, ecology, and biodiversity, including being a major wintering ground for red-crowned cranes and habitat for the milu deer.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Yancheng is in eastern coastal Jiangsu, facing the Yellow Sea. From major nearby cities (e.g. Nanjing, Shanghai), you can travel by train or road to Yancheng. Within Yancheng, taxis, local buses, and ride-hailing are the typical ways to reach attractions.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Many natural and wetland reserves open from around 8:00 or 8:30 to late afternoon (e.g. 17:00). The best seasons are spring and autumn, when migratory birds pass, weather is mild, and flora scenes are attractive.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Reserves and scenic areas have entry fees; for example, Yancheng Nature Reserve requires ~ 45 CNY. The China Sea Salt Museum is free but requires registration. Other sites like Dazong Lake and Dutch Flower Sea have fees (e.g. Dazong Lake ~ 100 CNY). Tickets can be purchased at site ticket offices or online via official tourism portals.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

During peak tourist seasons or for reserves, it’s advisable to book ahead (several days) to ensure entry. For normal times, walk-in is possible.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Spend at least 2–3 days to cover the main ecological sites, museums, and scenic areas. A one-day trip can cover highlights but will feel rushed.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Yancheng National Nature Reserve / Coastal Wetlands
• Dafeng Milu Nature Reserve
• Dazong Lake Scenic Area
• Spring & Autumn Yancheng Ruins / Tourist Area
• China Sea Salt Museum
• Water Street (historical cultural area)
• Holland Flower Park / seasonal florals

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours in Mandarin are widely available. Some reserves or parks may offer limited English-language services or bilingual guides if booked ahead. Audio guides are less common in these rural/ecological settings.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Wetland boardwalks overlooking tidal flats and bird flocks
• Dafeng deer enclosures for deer photography
• Water Street’s canal bridges and night lighting
• Flower fields in the Flower Park
• Ruins moats and ancient city walls in the ruins area

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Day 1: Visit the wetland focus areas (Nature Reserve, Dazong Lake) in the morning, then head to Water Street and China Salt Museum in the afternoon/evening. Day 2: Go to Dafeng Milu Reserve, then enjoy the Flower Park or scenic forest areas. Include the Spring & Autumn Ruins either late afternoon or an additional day if time allows.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Water Street is lit up at night and offers cultural performances. Some parks hold seasonal festivals or night events (e.g. flower lighting, evening tours), but many nature reserves are restricted after dark.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Weekdays and off-peak seasons are less crowded. Weekends, national holidays, and migratory bird peak periods (winter) draw more visitors to ecological reserves.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Major reserves and scenic parks have visitor centers, public restrooms, cafes or snack stands, trails with benches, and small souvenir shops. In city cultural areas, there are restaurants and convenience shops.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Many boardwalks and pathways in reserves are accessible, though some elevated or marshy areas may be less accessible. Cultural areas in town are more walkable. Check accessibility before visiting remote wetland zones.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted at major sites. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller vendors in rural areas.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

In city and visitor zones, local restaurants serve Jiangsu/seafood cuisine. Wetland area visitor centers may offer light meals or snacks. On Water Street, there are many eateries and dessert shops.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options exist in many Chinese restaurants. Halal food may be limited—best to check in advance in larger towns or city areas.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Yancheng has a range of accommodations from city hotels near downtown to guesthouses closer to reserves. For reserves outside city center (e.g. Dafeng), there are resort lodgings or local inns.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Dongtai Huanghai Forest Park
• Dayangwan Ecological Tourism Scenic Area
• Holland Flower Park
• Historic and salt-heritage sites

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenirs include items related to milu deer, salt products, bird and wetland themed crafts, postcards, local specialty foods.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Use taxis, ride-hailing, or regional buses to move between scenic zones and return to central Yancheng or onward to neighboring cities (e.g. Nantong, Yangzhou).