Located in the Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, Poyang Lake is the largest fresh-water lake in China. Having experienced many geological changes, Poyang Lake is now wide in the south and narrow in the north, like a huge gourd tied o-n the waist of the Yangtze River.
Poyang Lake is a resplendent pearl o-n the vast Chinese territory. For thousands of years, Poyang Lake has been nurturing the people in Jiangxi Province and attracting visitors with her charm.
Looking out over the vastness of Poyang Lake, with its blue waves that stretch to the horizon, is much like standing o-n the shore and looking out over an ocean. o-n days when the sun shines and the sky is a clear blue, the sky and the water of the lake seem to meet o-n the horizon. Sailboats o-n the lake dart back and forth, appearing to joust with the billowing clouds. Rafts float along o-ne after another like a big moving dragon. Poyang Lake is rich in aquatic plants, which create a hospitable environment for many rare species of freshwater fish. In addition, many kinds of rare birds are attracted to the lake, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
Higlight
The Poyang Lake Bird Protection Area is a sanctuary for many rare species of birds. Measuring 224 square kilometers (about 86 square miles) in area, it offers a mild climate and a habitat rich in aquatic plants and fish with no industrial pollution. In winter, Poyang Lake is home to the world’s largest population of birds.
Every November, thousands of birds fly in from Siberia, Mongolia, Japan, North Korea, and the northeastern and northwestern regions of China. These migratory birds spend the long winter in Poyang Lake together with the native widgeons, egrets, and mandarin ducks, leaving gradually as the weather starts to warm in March. Poyang Lake is considered by many to be the largest bird sanctuary in the world. Every winter it plays host to 95% of the world’s white cranes, a fact that gives it two of its popular names: ‘World of White Cranes’ and ‘Kingdom of Rare Birds’.
The white crane, which is o-ne of the world’s endangered species, is a large wading bird about 135 cm (about 53 inches) tall. All of its feathers are pure white except for a few black o-nes o-n the tips of the wings, which give it its alternate name of ‘black sleeve crane’. Its sword-like beak is brownish yellow, and it stands o-n a pair of long, pink legs. White cranes mate for life, and because they can live 70 years or more, the Chinese call them ‘immortal cranes’ and consider them a symbol of propitiousness.
Serious birdwatchers use telescopes to get a good look at the birds, which are very shy and will fly away if you get too close to them. Colorful birds are everywhere, skimming the surface of the water, soaring high in the sky, or circling and diving for a morsel of food. The elegant white cranes can be seen flapping their wings and playing with each other. There are so many of them that they can look like a great white wall – a truly incredible sight.
Other rare birds that can be seen here include white storks, black storks, bustards, pelicans, and many more.
Transportation and accomodation:
You can fly to Nanchang first. Nanchang is the capital of Jiangxi province and most big cities of China (like: Beijing, Shanghai,Wuhan, Guangzhou,Shenzhen,Hong Kong,Nanjing,Hangzhou,Chengdu,Chongqing) have non-stop flights to Nanchang. Poyang Lake is about 228 km from Nanchang. (You can drive to Poyang Lake and the cost is 120 rmb for the high way fees and 112 rmb for the gas) In your way, you will see Jiujiang city. The hotels in Jiujiang are much better than the ones in Poyang Lake. You can choose them if you don’t like the Hostels(or inns) in Poyang Lake. These inns are much cheaper of course, only cost 40-70 rmb for a night. Another option is Nanchang, it is easy to find 4 stars or 5 stars hotels there. The cost is 300-800 rmb for a night.
Eat:
Lots of people recommend the fish and crab here. Not a bad choice for the tourists.
Bird watch spot:
Poyang Lake is a popular destination for birdwatchers. You need to get up early in the morning if you wanna go to this bird watch spot. All the birds will fly away if you get there late. A powerful telescope is very useful for a birdwatcher. You don’t need a tour guide any more if you get a good telescope. The admission fee is 15 rmb for a person.