Realising the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goal is an inherent requirement of implementing the new development concept in China. The effectiveness of environmental regulation is especially crucial when uncertainties are widespread and objective. Based on the specificity and advancement of China's coastal region, 113 cities in 11 provinces in coastal China from 2011 to 2019 are taken as the research objects. We build a research framework of Chinese−style characteristic environmental governance, carbon emissions and peaking pressure, then explore the impacts of different environmental regulations on carbon emissions and the mechanism of their effects under the perspective of carbon peaking pressure. The study finds that: (1) environmental regulations can effectively reduce carbon emissions, and different types of environmental regulations have different carbon reduction effects. (2) Formal environmental regulation is more effective in eastern China, large cities and cities with high carbon emission, while in western China, small and medium−sized cities and cities with low carbon emissions rely on informal environmental regulation. (3) The inhibitory effect of environmental regulations on urban carbon emissions remains after considering spatial factors. (4) Environmental regulations can play a role in carbon emission reduction by encouraging low−carbon technological innovations, and the pressure to reach carbon peaking strengthens the inhibiting effect of environmental regulations on carbon emissions. This study provides new policy ideas for local governments to reduce carbon emissions, and necessary support for building a beautiful China from a high starting point.