It is the second nuclear power base of China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) in Guangdong Province. The project adopts the CPR1000 technology and its improved version, which is independently developed by CGN, to build six 1,000-megawatt pressurized water reactor nuclear power units. The construction and operation of the Yangjiang Nuclear Power Station are handled by CGN Yangjiang Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. The station is located in Yangjiang City on the west coast of Guangdong Province, with a total investment of nearly 70 billion yuan. It is the fourth nuclear power station built by CGN after the Lingao Nuclear Power Station Phase II, Dalian Hongyanhe Nuclear Power Station, and Fujian Ningde Nuclear Power Station following the implementation of the national policy of "actively promoting nuclear power construction".

On July 12, 2018, the 5th unit of the Yangjiang Nuclear Power Station successfully completed the 168-hour demonstration operation. The unit's operation was stable and it met the conditions for commercial operation.