唐代揚州因位於大運河和長江的交會點，而擁有優越的地理位置，交通十分便捷，加上隋代以來的經濟發展，而有相當基礎，中晚唐時期揚州遂成為全國第一大經濟都會。揚州的經濟發展快速的原因，除有擁有良好的農業基礎、堅實的手工業及便捷的水陸交通外，商業貿易的興盛，是使得揚州在唐中晚期一躍成為全國最大經濟都會的主要因素之一。當時在揚州市面上可以見到來自全國各地及海外的商品，而包括胡商在內的四方商人亦群眾揚州，商品交易因而十分活絡，從而促進了揚州整體經濟的蓬勃發展。唐代揚州困地理位置關係，而擁有大運河和長江這兩條水運動脈，作為它的運輸和商業貿易的主要通道，而大運河和長江所流經的廣大地區，也就順理成章的成為揚州腹地。在這廣袤的區域中有許多來自各地的物產，均集中於揚州進行交易和交換，對揚州的商業貿易和繁榮有極大的助益。在諸多有利條件下，揚州在唐前期已發展成為江准平原的最大經濟都會。而揚州作為江准地區的中心城市，揚州自身的經濟發展和繁榮，從而帶動了其腹地及相鄰地區的經濟發展。

Being located at an excellent position, at the intersection of the Grand Canal and the Yangtze, and due to its strong economic foundation which had been established since the Sui Dynasty, Yang-Chou was to become the economic center of China during the middle of the late Tang Dynasty. The reasons for the rapid economic development of Yang-Chou were favorable agricultural foundation, solid handicraft industries, convenient transportation by water and land, as well as thriving commercial trade. All of these factors contributed substantially to Yang-Chou status as the largest commercial city during the middle late period of Tang Dynasty. Commodities from all over the country and Hu merchants could be seen in the markets of Yang-Chou during this time. Trade in commodities was thriving. All of these promoted the vigorous economic development of Yang-Chou. Geography was another important factor. The Grand Canal and Yangtze river provided routes for trade and transportation, which also helped Yang-Chou had become a major city in Jianghuai Region during this period. The economic development and prosperity of Yang-Chou had also contributed significantly to the economic development of its hinterland and adjacent regions.